Does pack color change how you smoke? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT03802019

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether the color of a cigarette package changes how much people smoke, how much harm they are exposed to, and how risky they think the cigarettes are. Over 200 smokers used low-nicotine cigarettes in different colored packs (gray, red, blue, or plain) for 30 days. Researchers measured daily cigarette use, puffing behavior, and biomarkers of exposure like carbon monoxide and nicotine levels.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: low nicotine content cigarettes
What this could lead to: If successful, this research could inform how cigarette packaging influences smoking behavior and perceived risk, potentially guiding future tobacco regulations.
What could go wrong: This is a completed observational study, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to real-world settings or to smokers of regular nicotine cigarettes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cigarette Smoking Smoking

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SMOKING ( CIGARETTE)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Center for Interdisciplinary Research for Nicotine Addiction

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.