Effects of E-cigarette Flavors on Youth TCORS 2.0

Effects of E-cigarette Flavors on Youth

This study is an examination of the influence of sweet and cooling flavors on the appeal and abuse potential of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes among susceptible youth.

Researchers will examine the influence of sweet and cooling flavors on the appeal and abuse potential of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes among susceptible youth. Participants will rate the flavor intensity, coolness, sweetness, and irritation experienced using validated rating scales. Forty youth (18-20 years of age) who have experience with e-cigarettes and will participate in 1 laboratory session. They will receive 1 nicotine concentrations (36mg/ml nicotine salt) during the session; during the session they will be exposed, in random order, to sweet (watermelon) and sweet-cooling (watermelon-menthol) flavors combined with the assigned session nicotine concentration.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18-20 years
• Able to read and write
• Used e-cigs at least 10 times in lifetime
• Used e-cigs in past 30 days

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current use of non-prescription substances besides nicotine, marijuana, alcohol
• Any significant current medical or psychiatric condition
• Known hypersensitivity to propylene glycol
• Pregnant or lactating females
• Uncontrolled asthma
• Nut/e-liquid flavorant allergy
• current marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol) vaping + E-cigarette or vaping use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) symptoms