Impact of Menthol vs. Non-Menthol Cigarettes on Abuse Liability

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, double-blind, crossover study compares menthol and non-menthol cigarette variants to see how they differ in nicotine delivery, smoking behavior, and subjective effects. Participants complete standardized lab smoking sessions, behavioral tasks, and daily diaries over about three weeks. The protocol includes a baseline session, three blinded product sessions, and a final preference phase, with serial blood sampling and market-like tasks to assess substitutability and consumption patterns.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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

Where it's running

• Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
  Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Yoo Jin Cho, PhD, MPH — Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Study coordinator: The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Email: OSUCCCClinicaltrials@osumc.edu
• Phone: 800-293-5066

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.