Marijuana use among US tobacco users: Findings from wave 1 of the population assessment of tobacco health (PATH) study

Introduction:
This text summarizes a research study on the relationship between marijuana use and tobacco use among US adults. The study uses data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study to examine the rates of marijuana use among different tobacco user groups, the risk factors for marijuana use among tobacco users, and the association between marijuana use and quit attempts and respiratory disease.

Key Points:

* The study found that rates of marijuana use were significantly higher among tobacco users, particularly among those who used inhaled tobacco products.
* Among current tobacco users, those who used cigar only and multiple products had the highest rates of marijuana use.
* Tobacco dependence was found to be a significant predictor of current marijuana use, but did not affect the relationship between product user group and concurrent use of marijuana.
* Concurrent marijuana use was associated with lower odds of reporting a past year quit attempt among some user groups.
* The study found additive effects of concurrent use of marijuana and tobacco on respiratory symptoms, with dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes having notably elevated probability of reporting respiratory conditions.
* The study did not explore the frequency or quantity of marijuana use, or the specific marijuana product used.
* The study used cross-sectional data, precluding an understanding of temporal interactions of product use.

Main Message:
The study suggests that concurrent use of marijuana and tobacco represents a potential public health concern, as it is associated with higher tobacco dependence, lower rates of quit attempts, and additive effects on respiratory symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of prevention efforts specifically targeting tobacco and marijuana concurrent use, particularly in light of ongoing decriminalization of marijuana use in the US. The study also emphasizes the need for further research on the role of efforts to quit tobacco use among concurrent tobacco and marijuana users.

Strong, David R., Mark G. Myers, Kim Pulvers, Madison Noble, Kristin Brikmanis, and Neal Doran. “Marijuana Use among US Tobacco Users: Findings from Wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco Health (PATH) Study.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence 186 (May 2018): 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.12.044.