Use of ENDS devices and modifications to vape cannabis among adolescents and young adults who also vape nicotine

Background

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are the most used tobacco product among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and are increasingly used to vape cannabis. It is unclear what vaping devices and ENDS modifications are used most frequently by AYAs who vape both nicotine and cannabis.

Methods

AYAs (aged 14–29) reporting ENDS use in the past 30 days were recruited via Qualtrics (N = 1,011). We conducted three multivariable logistic regression models examining differences in likelihood of: 1) vaping cannabis in the past 30 days; 2) mixing cannabis and nicotine liquids; and 3) using nicotine devices to vape cannabis; based on type of vaping device used most often, controlling for age, socio-economic status, gender, race, frequency of ENDS use, and other cannabis use.

Results

40 % (n = 405) of AYAs reported vaping both nicotine and cannabis in the past 30 days. AYAs who used vape pens most often were more likely to have vaped cannabis concentrates in the past 30 days compared to individuals using disposable vapes (aOR = 2.72, 95 %CI = 1.75–4.21, p < 0.001). AYAs who used open systems most often (i.e., vape pens, mods, or e-hookah) were more likely than individuals using closed systems (i.e., disposable vapes, rechargeable pods or cigalikes) to combine nicotine and cannabis e-liquids (aOR = 2.03, 95 %CI = 1.43–2.89, p < 0.001) or use a nicotine device to vape cannabis (aOR = 1.66, 95 %CI = 1.17–2.34, p = 0.005).

Implications

Co-use of cannabis and nicotine via similar devices, particularly vape pens and other open-systems, warrants collaborative regulatory efforts to mitigate co-use of both substances, with a particular need for increased regulation of cannabis vaping products.