Aims To extend the previously identified association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha‐5 (CHRNA5) and nicotine dependence to current smoking and initial smoking‐experience phenotypes.Design, setting, participants Case–control association study with a community‐based sample, comprising 363 Caucasians and 72 African Americans (203 cases, 232 controls).Measurements Cases had smoked ≥ five cigarettes/day for ≥ 5 years and had smoked at...