Pod-Style E-Cigarettes May Have Higher Abuse Liability Than Nicotine Gum

Findings seen in young adults who have never regularly smoked cigarettes

By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, May 29, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Modern pod-style electronic cigarette (ECIG) devices may have a higher abuse liability than nicotine gum in individuals with no history of cigarette smoking, according to a study published online May 20 in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

Andrea R. Milstred, from West Virginia University in Morgantown, and colleagues compared the subjective and behavioral effects of pod-style ECIGs to nicotine gum. The analysis included 16 young adult users of pod-style ECIGs with no history of cigarette smoking.

The researchers found significant decreases in intention to vape from before to after use of ECIGs but not after 4-mg nicotine gum or placebo gum. Ratings of relief and satisfaction similarly were significantly higher for ECIGs than for either gum dose at both bouts. Although not significant, the crossover point was higher for ECIGs than for gum.

“People with ECIG experience, but who have never regularly smoked cigarettes, represent a growing population of nicotine users. Results demonstrate that modern ECIG devices are more reinforcing than nicotine gum and therefore have a higher abuse liability for this vulnerable population,” the authors write. “There is a clear need to continue monitoring the use and effects of modern devices, especially given the rapid evolution of ECIG products to date.”