Impact of Novel vs. Usual Brand Menthol Cigarettes on Abuse Liability

Impact of Novel vs. Usual Brand Menthol Cigarettes on Abuse Liability

This randomized, double-blind, crossover human laboratory study compares the abuse liability of cigarettes containing menthol and non-menthol cigarette variants, using the participant's usual brand menthol cigarette as a within-subject reference. Participants complete standardized laboratory smoking sessions, behavioral economic tasks, and a naturalistic observational period. The study examines differences in nicotine delivery, smoking behavior, and subjective effects across cigarette types in laboratory and real-world contexts.

Participants complete a three-phase protocol over approximately three weeks, comprising five in-person laboratory visits and two one-week daily-diary periods.

In Phase 1, participants attend a 3-hour baseline laboratory visit after a 12-hour abstinence from nicotine, tobacco, and smoked cannabis. They smoke one usual brand menthol cigarette (UBMC) in a standardized session (10 puffs over 5 minutes) while puff topography is recorded. Serial 3 mL blood samples are collected at -5, +5, +15, +30, and +60 minutes relative to smoking initiation. Subjective effects (e.g., product appeal, sensory perception, craving) are assessed before and after smoking, followed by the Cigarette Purchase Task (CPT). Participants then complete brief surveys three times daily for one week to capture product use and subjective effects in the natural environment.

In Phase 2, participants return for three additional laboratory visits, each separated by at least 48 hours, and smoke one of three blinded study products in a randomized order; study coordinators remain blinded. Each visit follows the Phase 1 procedures (standardized smoking session, topography, serial blood sampling, and subjective ratings). After smoking, participants complete the CPT and the Cross-Price Elasticity Task (CPET), in which the price of UBMC increases while the study product remains fixed, characterizing substitutability.

In Phase 3, participants identify their preferred study product and receive a one-week supply, with instructions to use it exclusively in place of their UBMC. They continue the three-times-daily survey schedule throughout the week. The phase concludes with a final 2-hour laboratory visit including a remaining-cigarette count and the Progressive Ratio Task (PRT), providing a measure of the relative reinforcing value of the preferred study product vs. UBMC.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 21 years or older
• Currently smoke cigarettes daily (≥ 5 cigarettes/day) for at least the past 6 months, and their usual brand is menthol cigarettes
• Willing to provide informed consent
• Willing to abstain from all nicotine, tobacco, and smoked cannabis products for approximately 12 hours prior to each study visit
• Own and regularly use a functional smartphone compatible with study procedures (e.g., completing daily assessments)
• Willing to complete two weeks of daily assessments involving use of their usual brand menthol cigarettes and the study product
• Able to read, speak, and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current diagnosis of any significant lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis)
• History of a cardiac event or episode of cardiac distress (e.g., heart attack, hospitalization for chest pain) within the past 3 months
• Currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant during the study period, or currently breastfeeding
• Self-reported use of any non-cigarette nicotine or tobacco product (e.g., e-cigarettes, cigars, oral nicotine products) or cannabis on more than 10 days in the past 30 days
• Self-reported current participation in a smoking cessation program or intention to quit smoking in the next 3 months
• Self-reported difficulty with blood draws