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.

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