Michigan Inventor Aims to Make Smoking Safer With New Cigarette Filter Design

A Michigan-based inventor has developed a new filter device aimed at reducing the health risks of smoking tobacco and cannabis — without dulling the buzz.

The invention, called the MIOS, is a patent-pending product designed to strip tar and other harmful substances from cigarette smoke before it enters the lungs. It works with both tobacco and marijuana cigarettes, giving smokers the familiar feel and flavour they’re used to — just minus some of the nastier side effects.

This isn’t another gadget wrapped in flashy packaging. It’s a small, discreet unit with one goal: help users inhale fewer toxins, without cutting out the nicotine or THC they’re after.

A simple idea with serious implications

The inventor, based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, says the idea came from a pretty common thought: “What if you could enjoy a cigarette without inhaling the junk?”

Sounds familiar, right?

While governments and health agencies worldwide have spent decades warning about the dangers of smoking, people still smoke. Whether it’s tobacco or cannabis, the habit persists — and isn’t going away any time soon. That’s what makes MIOS such an interesting proposal.

Unlike some vape alternatives or e-cigarette devices that alter the chemical profile or feel of the hit, MIOS sticks to the traditional experience. Same cigarette, same ritual — but with less exposure to the sticky stuff like tar and carcinogens.

What’s different about MIOS?

Plenty of products claim to filter or “clean up” smoke. Most don’t do much. MIOS promises something better, thanks to its compact but efficient design.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Small enough to fit easily in your pocket or cigarette pack
• Works with both tobacco and cannabis joints
• Targets tar, toxins, and cancer-causing compounds in the smoke stream
• Leaves nicotine and THC untouched

The prototype’s already built, and technical drawings are ready for industry review. That means manufacturers could soon take the design into production — if a licensing deal comes through.

Smokers aren’t going anywhere — and neither is cannabis

Let’s be honest — people aren’t giving up smoking overnight.

According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion people still use tobacco worldwide. That’s despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns, graphic warning labels, and rising taxes.

And cannabis? That market’s growing, fast. Legal marijuana sales in the U.S. alone hit $33.6 billion in 2023, per MJBizDaily. And a lot of those consumers prefer smoking over edibles or oils.

So, like it or not, the demand for smoke-filtering tech like MIOS is real. If it delivers on its promise, it could sit right in the middle of two massive markets.

Just one sentence here.

What’s next for the MIOS filter?

At this stage, the MIOS device isn’t on shelves. But the wheels are turning.

The inventor has submitted the product through InventHelp, a Pittsburgh-based firm that helps inventors bring their ideas to market. The idea is open for licensing or sale to manufacturers who see the commercial potential.

No word yet on which companies might bite. But with health concerns on one side and a booming cannabis industry on the other, it wouldn’t be surprising if someone moves fast.

This also isn’t just about smoking — it’s about harm reduction. With policymakers increasingly focused on public health strategies that minimise risk rather than enforce abstinence, MIOS could fit into a broader shift.

One sentence again.

Patent still pending, but eyes already on production

No patent has been granted yet. That’s key.

The MIOS device is currently patent-pending, meaning the concept has been filed but not formally approved. Until then, it’s a bit of a waiting game. That said, even pending patents can draw interest, especially from companies looking to move quickly in emerging or underserved categories.

And for small, discreet health innovations, now is a good time to be on the market. Especially ones that slot into everyday habits without causing disruption.

Here’s a quick look at what MIOS is — and isn’t:

It’s not a quit-smoking device. It’s not a detox supplement. It’s a filter. That’s it.

Could MIOS find its way into smoke shops?

Depends on who picks it up.

If a big name in smoking accessories sees potential, it could be a quick rollout. Head shops, dispensaries, even convenience stores — there’s no shortage of places that might stock it. Especially if it’s priced right and easy to use.

On the other hand, it could just as easily end up in niche online stores, where smokers look for clever hacks and tools their local shop hasn’t heard of yet.

There’s also the licensing route. If the patent is attractive enough, a larger player might buy it out entirely, tweak the design, slap a brand on it, and boom — it’s everywhere.

But that’s all still speculation.

For now, it’s just one idea — but a good one.