Understanding how the word natural on cigarillo packaging affects smokers and non-smokers
Official title: Understanding the Influence of "Natural" Cigarillo Descriptors on Expectancies, Subjective Effects, Smoking Behavior, and Exposure: A human laboratory study
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-11402607 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how labeling cigarillos as “natural” influences people’s expectations, feelings, and use patterns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $624,123 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA064348-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402607 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who use tobacco products or who are exposed to tobacco marketing may be eligible to participate.
✕Less likely to help
Non-users who are not exposed to tobacco marketing may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will expose participants to different cigarillo packaging and track how labels like “natural” change what people think about harm, how stimulating the product feels, and actual smoking behavior in a controlled setting. The study uses a human laboratory design to observe expectancies, subjective effects, and biomarkers of exposure after exposure to labeled products. Findings could help explain why certain packaging labels might mislead consumers and contribute to tobacco-related health risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform stronger labeling and regulatory policies to reduce misinformation and tobacco-related harm.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier research shows that branding and labeling can alter perceptions and use, but studies on the specific “natural” descriptor for cigarillos are limited.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearson, Jennifer Lynn — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Pearson, Jennifer Lynn
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.