Tobacco initiation partially attributed to cannabis use

Cannabis use could increase the likelihood of subsequent tobacco use among U.S. youths and young adults.

In a study published in Tobacco Control, investigators examined the cannabis and tobacco habits of nearly 14,000 individuals aged 12 to 24 years between 2017 and 2021. At baseline, the participants reported never or never regularly using tobacco.

The investigators found that nearly 33% of those aged 12 to 17 years and 14% of those aged 18 to 24 years progressed to regular tobacco use over the study period — rates greater than those among controls who were never exposed to cannabis.

The results suggested that without exposure to cannabis products, more than 500,000 fewer youths and young adults would have initiated tobacco use. The investigators highlighted the critical need for cannabis prevention in tobacco control programs.

Read more: Tobacco Control

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