Addiction
Researchers warn crypto rewards could encourage continued vaping
The devices reward continued vaping, not quitting, and researchers warn this could make nicotine and cannabis use harder to stop.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center warn that vape devices offering cryptocurrency and other rewards could encourage addictive use. Their perspective, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, examines Puffpaw, a nicotine vaping device marketed as an aid for quitting e-cigarettes, and Gudtrip, a cannabis vaping device. Both connect to smartphone apps and track user behavior.
The researchers say the products reward continued use, with points redeemable for cryptocurrency or refill cartridges. They argue that financial incentives, game-like features and artificial intelligence could increase addiction risk and appeal to adolescents, young adults and people experiencing financial hardship. The researchers note that financial incentives can support quitting when they reward abstinence or healthy behaviors, rather than substance use.
The researchers say the nicotine devices have not received FDA authorization and are not legally authorized for sale. They call for careful review by federal and state regulators and say clinicians and parents should be aware of the products.
