22nd Century Group Inc. (NASDAQ: XXII) announced the launch of its Pinnacle VLN reduced-nicotine cigarettes in approximately 60 California retail stores. The tobacco products company said this marks the brand's first retail presence in California.

The California trial follows 22nd Century's broader rollout strategy for its VLN combustible cigarette products. The company described the launch as an initial retail trial designed to establish market presence, build consumer awareness, and evaluate performance for potential expansion to more than 2,000 additional outlets.

Chief Executive Officer Larry Firestone said the California launch represents entry into a major new state where VLN products did not previously exist. California maintains comprehensive tobacco control policies and cessation infrastructure, including programs such as Kick It California that offer telephone, text, and app-based quitting support.

The state has banned the retail sale of most flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. California's regulatory environment emphasizes reducing nicotine dependence and limiting access to addictive tobacco products.

22nd Century's VLN low-nicotine combustible cigarettes received FDA authorization in December 2021, making them the first combustible cigarettes authorized specifically to help reduce nicotine consumption. The FDA authorization allows the company to make claims including "95% less nicotine," "helps reduce your nicotine consumption," and "helps you smoke less."

The company's reduced-nicotine tobacco is produced using proprietary non-GMO plants developed through patented technologies that regulate alkaloid biosynthesis. Clinical research evaluated during the FDA's Modified Risk Tobacco Product authorization process showed that reducing nicotine content can decrease nicotine intake and increase quit attempts.

22nd Century Group is based in Mocksville, North Carolina, and focuses on tobacco harm reduction through nicotine reduction products.