A study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research explored the associations among current teen use of cigarettes, combustible cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and perceived risk of cannabis use. The study examined the participants’ intention to use cannabis within the next year.
The researchers analyzed data from 8,521 German adolescents recruited in 9 of the 16 German states. The recruitment process invited eighth- and ninth-grade students from 1,615 schools, and the available data originate from 554 classes in 115 schools, resulting in 8,521 observations. The mean age of participants was 14 years, and 50.6% of the sample were female. 5.8% of the participants reported current cannabis use, while 17% reported current use of combustible and/or e-cigarettes in a short-term period before the date of the survey.
The research team conducted linear regression models to predict risk perception by (e-)cigarette use and intention to use cannabis by (e-)cigarette use and risk perception, among participants who never have tried cannabis. Data analysis indicated a strong association between cannabis use and (e-)cigarettes. Dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes had the highest probability of currently using cannabis with over half of them reporting current cannabis co-use, followed by current users of combustible cigarettes with one-third reporting current cannabis use.
One finding showed an association between perceiving cannabis as less harmful and a higher intention to use cannabis. The study also found that dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes perceived cannabis as less harmful and had the highest intention to use cannabis. Participants who had never used e-cigarettes perceived cannabis as the most harmful and had the lowest intention to use cannabis.
The research team highlighted that substance abuse prevention programs should consider that adolescent combustible and e-cigarette users are at a higher risk of cannabis use initiation. Prevention programs need to emphasize the potential health risks of using cannabis and nicotine products.
Sources: Journal of Cannabis Research, News Medical