Summary
Introduction:
This text presents the results of a study examining the interactive effects of JUUL flavor and nicotine concentration on addiction potential. The study uses a 2 ×2 factorial crossover trial with 15 regular JUUL e-cigarette users who completed a remote video format experiment. Participants were assigned to four counterbalanced experimental sessions, with different combinations of JUUL flavor (menthol or tobacco) and nicotine concentration (low or high). The study measured e-cigarette liking and wanting, e-cigarette taste, urge to use e-cigarettes, JUUL pod purchase task, taste intensity, stimulant effects, and nicotine withdrawal.
Key Points:
* The study found a dose-by-flavor interaction for average e-cigarette liking and wanting (ELW), with greater ELW for preferred than nonpreferred flavor at the low-nicotine dose but not the high-nicotine dose.
* Participants rated greater liking of their preferred flavor compared to their nonpreferred flavor.
* a greater reduction in the presence and strength of urges was observed for the preferred flavor at the low-nicotine dose but not the high-nicotine dose.
* There was a main effect of flavor for the Pmax index, indicating that the price at which expenditure was maximized was greater for participants’ preferred flavor.
* No significant main effects or interactions were found for total taste intensity, stimulant effects, or nicotine withdrawal.
* a sensitivity analysis found a significant main effect of test flavor for ELW mean, LMS, and breakpoint, indicating that participants preferred menthol flavoring over tobacco flavoring.
* The study demonstrates the feasibility of controlled behavioral laboratory procedures using a fully remote methodology.
Main Message:
The study suggests that preferred e-cigarette flavors may heighten the rewarding effects more for e-cigarettes with lower nicotine content, which could facilitate nicotine reduction as a strategy for individuals who intend to taper or quit e-cigarettes. The findings also indicate that menthol flavoring may increase the appeal of e-cigarettes, which has implications for regulation and policy. Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering the interactive effects of flavor and nicotine concentration in e-cigarette research and regulation.
Citation
Peasley-Miklus C, Klemperer EM, hughes JR, et al. The interactive effects of JUUL flavor and nicotine concentration on addiction potential. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology. 2023;31(2):336-342. doi:10.1037/pha0000591
