Investigating factors influencing illegal tobacco purchases

Promotion and Mitigation Factors Leading to Illegal Tobacco Purchases

Not applicable Interventional Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · NCT06001840

This study looks at what influences people to buy illegal tobacco products and how different types of tobacco users are affected by promotions and availability.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roanoke, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT06001840 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines how promotion factors and mitigation strategies affect legal and illegal tobacco purchases among different types of tobacco users. Utilizing an Illegal Experimental Tobacco Marketplace (iETM), the research aims to identify the characteristics of tobacco users who seek illegal products and the conditions that drive them to do so. The study focuses on understanding the impact of product standards and availability on illegal purchasing behaviors, particularly among exclusive combustible product users and dual cigarette/nicotine vaping users. The findings will help tailor policies to reduce consumer interest in the illegal tobacco market.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who are stable tobacco users, either as exclusive cigarette smokers or dual users of cigarettes and nicotine vaping products.

Not a fit: Patients who are planning to quit using tobacco products or those with serious health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective policies that reduce illegal tobacco purchases and improve public health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have not been widely conducted, making this a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provide informed consent
* Be at least 21 years of age or older
* Provide a breath sample for measuring carbon monoxide (CO ≥ 8 ppm)
* Stable tobacco use patterns for at least two months

For exclusive cigarette smokers:

* Smoke at least 10 cigarettes daily and do not use NVPs regularly (no more than 9 times in the last month).
* For dual cigarette/NVP users:
* Smoke at least 10 cigarettes daily and use NVPs at least 3 times in a week (report use of closed nicotine salt system)

Exclusion criteria:

* Have plans to move out of the area
* Have a serious or unstable physical or mental health condition
* Taking a tobacco cessation medication or medication that interferes with nicotine metabolism, motivation or reinforcement
* Report concrete, immediate plans to alter/quit using their usual nicotine products at the beginning of the study
* Being pregnant or lactating

Where this trial is running

Roanoke, Virginia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cigarette SmokingNicotine Vaping
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.