December 21, 2015

22nd Century’s RED SUN Brand Launches Extremely Nicotine

Campaign; Company Showcases ‘Extremist’ RED SUN Brand
Enthusiasts
CLARENCE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 22nd Century Group, Inc. (NYSE MKT: XXII), a plant biotechnology
company focused on tobacco, announced today that the Company will now highlight the “soul” of its RED SUN
brand as “Extremely Nicotine” on consumer advertising materials. This change is in response to strong customer
feedback showing that smokers in targeted demographic groups view RED SUN’s high nicotine content as a
compelling product feature.

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Unlike 22nd Century’s MAGIC brand

cigarettes that feature the world’s lowest
nicotine tobacco cigarettes (95% less nicotine
than conventional brands), independent lab
tests show that RED SUN’s high-grade,
whole-leaf tobacco contains substantially
more nicotine than market-leading brands like
Marlboro®, Camel® and Newport®. Made
specifically for adult smokers who appreciate
a bold, natural tobacco taste, RED SUN
cigarettes are produced in 22nd Century’s
Mocksville, North Carolina factory. Like “craft
brews” that have become popular across the
United States, RED SUN caters to discerning
smokers who shun mass market cigarettes in
favor of small, independent brands that stand
for something more.

Though very new to the market and only

available in select retail outlets, RED SUN is
already appreciated by many smokers as
“America’s best cigarette.” 22nd Century
describes the brand as “Unapologetic...
Authentic... Different.” Positioning RED SUN
as a counter-culture brand that offers free-
thinking smokers a choice, the Company has
been pleasantly surprised at smoker’s
enthusiasm for “extreme nicotine.”

To demonstrate their enthusiasm for the RED

SUN cigarette brand, dozens of adult smokers
– RED SUN Extremists – have entered the
Company’s novel RED SUN Permanent
RED SUN Extremists display their passion for the novel, high nicotine brand. Tattoo Promotion. The contest invites adult
(Photo: Business Wire) smokers in select markets across the country
to design and wear original RED SUN
permanent tattoos on their bodies. Initially expecting only a token number of entries in a handful of cities to
participate, the Company is delighted that more than 50 RED SUN customers have already taken up the
challenge to become RED SUN emissaries with some of the most fantastic tattoos imaginable. (See RED SUN
Extremists in the photos that accompany this article.)

“We own the formula for America’s best, most authentic cigarettes. Indeed, no other brand matches RED SUN’s
extreme nicotine,” explained Henry Sicignano III, President and Chief Executive Officer at 22nd Century Group.
“RED SUN is bold and decidedly unapologetic… RED SUN gives smokers the freedom to enjoy greater
satisfaction with every cigarette.”

Though not every RED SUN smoker has commissioned a permanent tattoo, after launching the RED SUN brand
less than one year ago, 22nd Century has found that RED SUN smokers are surprisingly passionate about the
brand. Here are a few of the many customer testimonials we have received:

“I tried some RED SUN cigs recently… and thought they were great… the RED SUN cigs were as flavorful if not
even bolder than American Spirit. I’ll be buying [RED SUN] again and sharing them with friends. Well done!” –
Erick from Oregon

“I love smoking, always have and always will. I find your unapologetic approach refreshing.” – Michael from
Minnesota.

“I LOVE RED SUN. They are amazing!” – Megan from New York

“The clerk from the corner store… turned me on to RED SUN; now I wouldn’t smoke anything else!” – David from
California

“I admire your company and mission.” – Jack, from New York

About 22nd Century Group, Inc.

22nd Century Group is a plant biotechnology company focused on technology which allows it to increase or
decrease the level of nicotine in tobacco plants and the level of cannabinoids in cannabis plants through genetic
engineering and plant breeding. The Company’s primary mission is to reduce the harm caused by smoking. 22nd
Century currently owns or exclusively controls more than 200 issued patents and more than 50 pending patent
applications around the world. The Company’s strong IP position led to a licensing agreement with British
American Tobacco (“BAT”), the world’s second largest tobacco company. Visit www.xxiicentury.com for more
information.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking
information, including all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current
expectations of 22nd Century Group, Inc., its directors or its officers with respect to the contents of this press
release, including but not limited to our future revenue expectations. The words “may,” “would,” “will,” “expect,”
“estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance. You should not
place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made.
These cautionary statements should be considered with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we
may issue in the future. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States,
we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to reflect actual
results, later events or circumstances, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should carefully
review and consider the various disclosures made by us in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2014, filed on February 5, 2015, including the section entitled “Risk Factors,” and our other
reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which attempt to advise interested parties of the
risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. If one or
more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results
may vary materially from those expected or projected.

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Investor Relations:
IRTH Communications
Andrew Haag, 866-976-4784
xxii@irthcommunications.com
or
Redington, Inc.
Tom Redington, 203-222-7399
Source: 22nd Century Group, Inc.