Actively Recruiting
Effects of a Low Nicotine Standard and Tobacco Prices on Illegal Cigarette Purchasing
Led by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · Updated on 2026-01-16
70
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
V
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to understand how a very-low-nicotine cigarette (VLNC) standard, along with changes in e-cigarette and illegal cigarette prices, affect illegal cigarette buying and alternative product use. It focuses on adult smokers who either smoke only cigarettes or use both cigarettes and nicotine vaping products (NVPs). The study explores how restrictions on nicotine content might influence purchasing behavior in a controlled virtual marketplace. Participants will take part in a lab-based experiment involving three sessions: an initial assessment, a session using the Experimental Tobacco Marketplace (ETM), and a follow-up phone call. The study tests scenarios with different nicotine content levels (normal vs. very low nicotine cigarettes), varying prices for illegal cigarettes, and e-cigarette prices. Exclusive smokers and dual users will experience all these conditions, with access to legal and illegal product options depending on the scenario. During the study, researchers will measure how participants allocate their budget across product categories like legal cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and illegal cigarettes within the marketplace. The primary outcome is the percentage of budget spent on each product type. Participants will provide breath samples to confirm smoking status and complete questionnaires. The study is sponsored by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and will last through multiple visits plus follow-up, ending in 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of a Low Nicotine Standard and Tobacco Prices on Illegal Cigarette Purchasing
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Provide informed consent
- Be at least 21 years of age or older
- Provide a breath sample for measuring carbon monoxide (CO ≥ 8 ppm)
- Have stable tobacco use patterns for at least two months
- For exclusive cigarette smokers: smoke at least 10 cigarettes daily and do not regularly use nicotine vaping products (no more than 9 times in the last month)
- For dual cigarette and nicotine vaping product users: smoke at least 10 cigarettes daily and use nicotine vaping products at least 3 times per week using a closed nicotine salt system
You will not qualify if you...
- Have plans to move out of the area
- Have a serious or unstable physical or mental health condition
- Taking tobacco cessation medication or medication that affects nicotine metabolism, motivation, or reinforcement
- Have immediate plans to quit or alter usual nicotine product use at study start
- Are pregnant or lactating
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 sessions over a short period
Participants complete multiple experimental sessions in the lab involving different scenarios of nicotine content and product pricing in a legal Experimental Tobacco Marketplace.
3 visits (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants receive a follow-up phone call to complete final assessments.
1 phone call
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion
Roanoke, Virginia, United States, 24016
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kirstin Gatchalian
M
Madeleine Mason, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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