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| Experimental Public Policy: Translational Insights for Drug Marketing Regulations |
| Monday, May 26, 2025 |
| 11:00 AM–12:50 PM |
| Marriott Marquis, M2 Level, Marquis Salon 7-10 |
| Area: BPN/EAB; Domain: Translational |
| Chair: Brett Gelino (Rutgers University) |
| Discussant: Steven R Hursh (Institutes for Behavior Resources, Inc.) |
| CE Instructor: Derek D. Reed, Ph.D. |
| Abstract: Behavioral pharmacology has benefited greatly from the experimental analysis of behavior. The prediction and control afforded by experimental analyses offer unique insights into how drugs affect behavior and operant responses. Advances in behavioral economics, specifically, have increased our understanding of drug abuse liability and the potential for misuse. Thus, it is unsurprising that translational efforts in behavioral economics and choice have begun to inform public policy surrounding drug labeling, marketing, and design. This translational symposium highlights the importance of experimental analyses in experimental public policy concerning drug marketing regulations. This symposium showcases work being done in both nicotine and cannabis control arenas, across the entire translational continuum: nonhuman experiments, preclinical translations, and applied behavior analysis. In particular, two presentations will focus on nicotine consumption in terms of vaping flavors and greenwashing. The remaining two will focus on the emerging issues related to THC-infused cannabis edibles. The event concludes with expert insights from Dr. Steven Hursh. |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |
| Keyword(s): behavioral economics, choice, drugs |
| Target Audience: Behavior analysts with training or interest in behavioral pharmacology or public policy. |
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe methods for assessing drug demand.
2. Describe methods for assessing children's choice of reinforcers.
3. Describe demand curve analyses. |
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Evaluating the Impact of Packaging on Consumer Demand for THC-Infused Gummies: Implications for Public Health |
| (Applied Research) |
| MADISON GRAHAM (University of Kansas), Brett Gelino (Rutgers University), Justin Charles Strickland (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine), Adam M. Briggs (Eastern Michigan University), Derek D. Reed (Institutes for Behavior Resources, Inc.) |
| Abstract: Cannabis packaging and labeling in the U.S. are regulated at the state level, leading to inconsistency due to the lack of federal standardization. While most states mandate labels to include product content, health warnings, child safety disclaimers, and a cannabis symbol, regulations on aspects like colors, fonts, and dosing information vary more widely. Research from tobacco control literature shows that packaging can significantly impact consumer behavior, particularly among younger individuals. This issue is especially concerning for young children since THC-infused gummies resemble regular gummy candies, unlike most tobacco products. With rising cases of pediatric cannabis ingestion resulting in hospitalizations, effective public health strategies are needed. This study aimed to examine how packaging affects consumer demand. We employed a 2 (colorful versus basic label designs; between subjects) x 2 (5mg vs. 30mg THC dose; within-subjects) design. 100 participants from states with legalized recreational cannabis completed a simulated purchase task after viewing experimental packaging. Findings indicated that demand for THC gummies was relatively unaffected by packaging variations. The results suggest further research is needed to explore effective ways to minimize risks associated with edible cannabis products, especially among vulnerable populations like children. |
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| Assessing “Unsupervised” Edible Item Consumption in Children: Implications for Safety Strategies and Product Marketing |
| (Applied Research) |
| SILVIA L VERHOFSTE (Eastern Michigan University), Adam M. Briggs (Eastern Michigan University), Skylar DeWitt (Eastern Michigan University), Samantha Jo Zohr (Eastern Michigan University), Grace Kovacich (Eastern Michigan University), Alex Boskovic (Eastern Michigan University) |
| Abstract: The introduction of adult recreational products resembling common household foods, such as chocolate and gummies, has resulted in a staggering 1375.0% increase in accidental cannabis ingestion cases among children under the age of six (Tweet et al., 2023). This translational study investigates the conditions under which children are likely to consume unattended, preferred, and non-psychoactive edible items resembling cannabis products when they believe they are unsupervised. Children between the ages of three and six were assessed in a controlled environment, measuring latency to consumption and item engagement across various environmental-edible testing conditions, including introducing novelty items. Our preliminary results suggest that children fall into one of three categories: (a) those who do not consume anything (n = 2), (b) those who only consume their preferred item (and do not consume unfamiliar items; n = 1), and (c) those who consume everything (n = 3). These findings provide insight into children's consumption behaviors, inform safety strategies, and influence product marketing practices. By emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among caregivers, manufacturers, and policymakers, this study seeks to safeguard children's health and reduce the risks associated with accidental consumption of potentially harmful edible items. |
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| Flavor Increases Nicotine Vaping in a Preclinical Model |
| (Basic Research) |
| MARIAH WILLIS-MOORE (Utah State University), Kiernan Callister (Utah State University), Lucy Scribner (Utah State University), David Legaspi (The Culturo-Behavior Science Innovation Network; Utah State University), Daniel Santos Da Silva (Utah State University), Rick Allan Bevins (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Adam Leventhal (University of Southern California, Los Angeles), Amy Odum (Utah State University) |
| Abstract: Flavored tobacco products are highly appealing to youth and young adults because added flavors substantially reduce harshness and facilitate inhalation. To curb appeal, all flavored cigarettes, except menthol, were banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2009. However, there are still flavored tobacco products on the market. E-cigarettes are widely marketed and popular amongst adolescents and young adults because they contain attractive flavors including candy, fruit, and dessert. Regular e-cigarette use is associated with impacts on brain development, respiratory inflammation, and increases the likelihood of smoking tobacco cigarettes. Research that examines how flavor impacts e-cigarette use is needed. Towards this end, we are investigating the role of flavoring in the self-administration of nicotine vaping in our preclinical animal model, the Rodent Electronic Nicotine Delivery System. Our preliminary studies have revealed that overall, flavored e-cigarette solutions increase nicotine aerosol-seeking during acquisition compared to a non-flavored control (n = 4 female rats). We have also found response rates for mango flavored e-liquid are higher than tobacco-flavored e-liquid (n = 4 male rats). Together, these results empirically demonstrate how impactful flavoring is for e-cigarette use. Future considerations about reducing the appeal of flavors for e-cigarettes are warranted. |
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| Consumer Preference for Cigarettes Advertised With and Without Greenwashing Techniques: A Behavioral Economic Analysis |
| (Applied Research) |
| BRETT GELINO (Rutgers University), Gideon P. Naudé (Johns Hopkins University), Jess Harbaugh (Johns Hopkins University), Rebekah Schlitzer (Johns Hopkins University), Matthew W. Johnson (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) |
| Abstract: Greenwashing is an increasingly common tobacco marketing strategy that may circumvent FDA restrictions on the use of unauthorized reduced-risk claims. The aim of this project was to test the effect of greenwashing tactics—advertising products as eco-friendly and natural—on cigarette puff topography, valuation, and market competition (i.e., cross-commodity consumption). Young adults (N=31; n=7 female; n=20 racial and ethnic minoritized groups) age 19-34 who smoke cigarettes daily completed a within-subject experiment involving two topography and seven operant demand sessions. Participants were exposed to greenwashed and matched-control advertising for novel cigarette brands; unknown to participants, both conditions used the same commercial cigarette product. Session responding exhibited no significant differences in puff topography across advertising conditions. Most participants (71%) preferred the greenwashed cigarettes when concurrently available at the same low price, with significantly more puffs earned (p=.02, d=0.37) and a greater proportion of total cigarette puffs smoked (p=.004, d=0.55) for the greenwashed brand. Both brands acted as strong substitutes with preference quickly shifting to the alternative under increasing cost. These findings suggest that greenwashing may increase the relative reinforcing effects of cigarettes across diverse population groups. |
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