Overview
This study is an examination of the influence of cooling components of WS-3, WS-23, and menthol on the appeal and addiction potential of nicotine-containing e-liquids among adults.
Description
The investigators will examine the influence of cooling components of WS-3, WS-23 (synthetic coolants) and menthol on the appeal and addiction potential of nicotine-containing e-liquids among adults. Participants will rate the flavor intensity, coolness, sweetness, and irritation/harshness, bitterness experienced using validated rating scales. 66 adult participants (18+ years of age) who are current e-cigarette users will participate in 3 laboratory sessions. Participants will be randomized to receive one of the 3 menthol conditions (no-menthol, low menthol, high menthol) in Lab 1 and will receive the alternative conditions in randomized order in Lab 2 and Lab 3. During each lab session the menthol condition will be paired with three WS-3 concentrations: no WS-3, low (0.1%) WS-3, or high (2.0%) WS-3 and three WS-23 concentrations: low (0.1%) WS-23, high (2.0%) WS-23, or 4% WS-23 in randomized order. All e-cigarettes will contain nicotine salt at a nicotine concentration of \~59mg/ml and all participants will be exposed to eighteen conditions across 3 lab sessions.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 years or older
- Able to read and write
- Some current e-cigarette use
- Urine cotinine ≥200ng/ml
- Willing to abstain from tobacco/nicotine use 2 hours prior to sessions
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current use of non-prescription substances besides nicotine, marijuana, alcohol
- Any significant current medical or psychiatric condition
- Known hypersensitivity to propylene glycol
- Pregnant or lactating females
- Uncontrolled asthma
- Nut/e-liquid flavorant allergy
- Current marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol) vaping + E-cigarette or vaping use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) symptoms
- Dislike of menthol flavor
