Cannabis and vaping nicotine: An exploration of risk factors using a nationally representative sample of youth and young adults

Background

Given that cannabis and e-cigarettes are among the most commonly used substances among young people, there is a need to identify risk factors for concurrent cannabis consumption and nicotine vaping among youth and young adults.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Truth Longitudinal Cohort, collected from September 2020 to March 2021, among a cohort aged 15–24 years (N = 6379). Chi-square tests were conducted to detect differences in sample characteristics by dual use status (never e-cigarette and never cannabis users, never cannabis and former/noncurrent e-cigarette users, never e-cigarette and former/noncurrent cannabis users, former/noncurrent e-cigarette and cannabis users, current e-cigarette only users, current cannabis only users, and concurrent cannabis and e-cigarette dual users). Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine key demographic variables predicting dual use status.

Results

Household tobacco use (Relative Risk Ratio, RRR = 4.93), higher sensation seeking (RRR = 3.98), and mental health score (RRR = 2.58) were associated with higher risk of dual use. Being 15–17 years (RRR = 0.22), being female (RRR = 0.59) and having parents with an education level of some college or more (RRR = 0.64) were associated with lower risk of dual use.

Conclusion

Findings suggest the need to carefully monitor cannabis and vaping nicotine among young people. The identification of risk factors provides additional guidance for prevention and treatment efforts, suggesting the need to address use of both substances and target those most at risk.