Effects of Tobacco Cut and Nicotine Form on the Abuse Liability of Moist Snuff

Effects of Tobacco Cut and Nicotine Form on the Abuse Liability of Moist Snuff

This clinical trial tests the effects of tobacco cut and nicotine form on the abuse liability in participants who use moist snuff (smokeless tobacco [SLT]). Two features of moist snuff that are key targets of manipulation from the tobacco industry and drivers of its addiction potential are length of tobacco cut (long versus fine) and nicotine form (low versus high levels of nicotine in the free-base form). Finer tobacco cuts and higher levels of free-base nicotine (FBN) result in faster, greater nicotine delivery. Researchers want to gain information on how certain characteristics of moist snuff affect how long people use it, how it delivers nicotine, or how much people like it. This clinical trial may provide justifications for local, state, or federal regulations aimed at reducing the appeal and addictiveness of moist snuff.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Estimate the association between style of moist snuff and SLT addiction among Ohio Appalachian adolescents and adults.

II. Characterize the carcinogen and free-base nicotine content of SLT products used by adolescents and adults with varying levels of SLT dependence in Ohio Appalachia.

III. Assess effects of moist snuff tobacco cut and FBN content on product use, effects, and appeal among Appalachian adults with high versus (vs.) low SLT dependence.

OUTLINE: Participants attend 5 study visits in a randomized order.

VISIT I: Participants use their usual brand of moist snuff on study. Participants also undergo blood sample collection and carbon monoxide testing on study.

VISIT II: Participants use low FBN long cut moist snuff on study. Participants also undergo blood sample collection and carbon monoxide testing on study.

VISIT III: Participants use low FBN fine cut moist snuff on study. Participants also undergo blood sample collection and carbon monoxide testing on study.

VISIT IV: Participants use high FBN long cut moist snuff on study. Participants also undergo blood sample collection and carbon monoxide testing on study.

VISIT V: Participants use high FBN fine cut moist snuff on study. Participants also undergo blood sample collection and carbon monoxide testing on study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 21 and older who reside in Appalachian counties and surrounding rural areas under the RUCA code 10 classification and use SLT daily for at least 3 months and using 1.5 cans/week will be considered for this project
• Established moist snuff user (has used moist snuff daily for at least the past 3 months, uses at least 1.5 cans/week.
• Age 21 years or older
• Reside in Appalachian counties and surrounding rural areas under the RUCA code 10 classification
• Willing to complete 5 study visits and provide informed consent study procedures, including abstaining from all tobacco, nicotine, and marijuana for 12 hours before clinic visits
• Willing to abstain from nicotine and tobacco products 12-hours before study visit
• Ability to read and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding (will be verified with a urine pregnancy test at the first session visit)
• Unstable or significant psychiatric conditions (past and stable conditions will be allowed)
• History of cardiac event or distress, including but not limited to uncontrolled high blood pressure, chest pain, and shortness of breath, within the past 3 months
• Working with a cessation counselor, using cessation devices such as Chantix or Wellbutrin, or planning to quit within the next 3 months
• Severe periodontal or oral lesions