Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Melissa Blank

Committee Co-Chair

Kathleen Morrison

Committee Member

Kathleen Morrison

Committee Member

Nicholas Felicione

Abstract

Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) are products containing synthetic or tobacco derived nicotine in a cellulose pouch. While relatively novel in their current state, ONPs are increasing in popularity, with little known about their national level prevalence. Extant work has suggested that electronic cigarette (e-cig) users may be interested in ONPs; however, no abuse liability studies have been conducted comparing ONPs directly to e-cigs. In the few abuse liability studies that have been conducted, ONPs have been evaluated in comparison to combustible cigarettes or smokeless tobacco (SLT). These studies suggest ONPs may be less reinforcing than combustible cigarettes or SLT. Therefore, the present study evaluated the abuse liability of ONPs in a population of regular e-cig users with a minimal history of ONP use. Using a within-subjects design, participants (N=12) completed one of two randomized conditions differing by product used: 6mg ZYN pouch (citrus, menthol, or spearmint) or own brand e-cig. During each experimental session, participants experienced two product use bouts completing subjective and behavioral measures after each bout. Results suggest that ONPs may be less reinforcing than e-cigs among e-cig users with a minimal history of ONP use. E-cigs had higher ratings of pleasurable effects (e.g. craving reduction, pleasantness, taste) and lower ratings of adverse effects (i.e., discomfort in throat or stomach) than ONPs. Overall, the results suggest that e-cigs are more reinforcing to regular e-cig users, despite moderate interest in ONPs.

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