Effects of Cigar Flavors on Measures of Abuse Liability among Young Adults

Principal Investigator: Andrew J. Barnes

Funding Mechanism: National Institutes of Health – Grant

ID number: 1R03DA043005-01

Award Date: 9/9/2016

Institution: Virginia Commonwealth University

The availability of cigar flavors, among other characteristics, has been linked to increased sales and consumption, with the largest increases among youth/young adults and certain racial/ethnic minorities. No studies exist quantifying the effect of cigar flavors on abuse liability (the potential for dependence and addiction). Researchers will examine the effect of four flavors of Black & Mild (B&M), the most popular cigar brand, on different measures of abuse liability. In this study, 25 young adults (ages 18-25 years) who are current cigarette smokers but inexperienced cigar smokers (≤5 times) will complete five smoking sessions that differ by product smoked: own brand cigarette and B&M cigars in original, apple, cream, and wine flavor. Researchers will then evaluate three measures of abuse liability: (1) exposure to nicotine via saliva concentrations; (2) breakpoint from behavioral tasks where individuals choose between money or cigar puffs; and (3) subjective measures of cigar effects.