Promotion and Mitigation Factors Leading to Illegal Tobacco Purchases

Promotion and Mitigation Factors Leading to Illegal Tobacco Purchases

This study will investigate the effects of promotion factors and mitigation strategies on legal and illegal tobacco purchases for different tobacco-user types.

In the present study, we propose to examine some promotion factors and mitigation strategies and how they impact tobacco product legal and illegal purchases. Specifically, we have developed an Illegal Experimental Tobacco Marketplace (iETM). The iETM permits us to identify the number, type, and characteristics of tobacco users who would seek illegal tobacco products and the conditions that would induce them to seek that option. The critical questions we seek to answer are whether changes in product standards and availability will engender illegal tobacco purchasing as a function of tobacco user type (e.g., exclusive combustible product users, and dual cigarette/NVP users). Understanding the user types and the relevant conditions will inform greater tailoring of policy to diminish consumer interest in an illegal market.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Provide informed consent
• Be at least 21 years of age or older
• Provide a breath sample for measuring carbon monoxide (CO ≥ 8 ppm)
• Stable tobacco use patterns for at least two months

For exclusive cigarette smokers:

• Smoke at least 10 cigarettes daily and do not use NVPs regularly (no more than 9 times in the last month).
• For dual cigarette/NVP users:
• Smoke at least 10 cigarettes daily and use NVPs at least 3 times in a week (report use of closed nicotine salt system)

Exclusion criteria:

• Have plans to move out of the area
• Have a serious or unstable physical or mental health condition
• Taking a tobacco cessation medication or medication that interferes with nicotine metabolism, motivation or reinforcement
• Report concrete, immediate plans to alter/quit using their usual nicotine products at the beginning of the study
• Being pregnant or lactating