Changes from 2017 to 2018 in e-cigarette use and in ever marijuana use with e-cigarettes among US adolescents: analysis of the National Youth Tobacco Survey.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of data from the 2017 and 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) to examine changes in e-cigarette use and ever marijuana use with e-cigarettes among US adolescents. The study aims to understand the relationship between smoking status and e-cigarette use, as well as the correlation between smoking intensity, e-cigarette use intensity, and ever marijuana use.

Key Points:

* The study found a statistically significant increase in all patterns of e-cigarette use in 2018 compared to 2017.
* Prevalence of past 30 days e-cigarette use among never smokers was significantly higher in 2018 (7.2%) compared to 2017 (3.3%).
* Approximately half of past 30 days e-cigarette users reported ever marijuana use in an e-cigarette, with a prevalence of approximately 70% among frequent e-cigarette users.
* Ever use of marijuana in an e-cigarette was higher in 2018 compared to 2017 among never smokers, ever smokers, ever/no past 30 days smokers, and past 30 days smokers.
* The prevalence of past 30 days e-cigarette use was increased in 2018 compared to 2017 among both infrequent and frequent smokers.
* A statistically significant correlation was found between smoking and e-cigarette use intensity, as well as ever marijuana use and smoking and e-cigarette use intensity.
* Ever smoking, past 30 days smoking, and past 30 days smoking frequency were associated with past 30 days e-cigarette use.

Main Message:
The study highlights the increasing trend of e-cigarette use among US adolescents, including never smokers, and the high prevalence of ever marijuana use with e-cigarettes. The findings suggest that regulatory efforts should focus on preventing any e-cigarette use among never smokers and avoiding transition from infrequent to frequent use. Additionally, the study raises concerns about the potential use of e-cigarettes predominantly for marijuana use, which could have important regulatory implications. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for continued monitoring and regulation of e-cigarette use among adolescents.

Farsalinos K, Barbouni A, Niaura R. Changes from 2017 to 2018 in e-cigarette use and in ever marijuana use with e-cigarettes among US adolescents: analysis of the National Youth Tobacco Survey. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2021;116(1):139-149. doi:10.1111/add.15162