Primary measures of dependence among menthol compared to non-menthol cigarette smokers in the United States.

•Cigarette dependence is examined among menthol versus non-menthol smokers.•Menthol smokers do not report smoking more cigarettes per day.•Menthol smokers do not report shorter times to first cigarette after waking.•Menthol smokers do not report higher Heaviness of Smoking Index scores.•Available evidence indicates menthol in cigarettes does not increase dependence.