Dual Use of Nicotine and Cannabis Through Vaping among adolescents.

Introduction: This study examines the relationship between nicotine and cannabis vaping among adolescents using a prospective longitudinal survey. The study aims to identify adolescent vaping patterns and the characteristics of those who comprise each pattern. The findings of this study provide valuable information for public health prevention campaigns as electronic nicotine delivery systems evolve and cannabis use laws become more liberalized.

Key Points:

* The study included 1,835 adolescents from four public high schools outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
* The study measured the relationship between nicotine and cannabis vaping at six-month intervals for 36 months.
* The study identified four latent conjunct classes of nicotine and cannabis vaping: Early, Declining Dual Use, Rapidly Increasing Dual Use, Later, Slower Dual Use, and No Use.
* Increased odds of belonging to the Early, Declining Dual Use and Rapidly Increasing Dual Use classes were significantly associated with cigarette smoking, alcohol use, peer vaping, sensation seeking, and positive e-cigarette expectations.
* Increased odds of belonging to the Later, Slower Dual Use class were significantly associated with alcohol use, perceived benefits of e-cigarette use, positive expectations of e-cigarette use, depressive symptoms, and sensation seeking.
* The study found that vaping of nicotine and cannabis develop in close parallel during adolescence.

Main Message: The study highlights the importance of considering the interplay between nicotine and cannabis vaping during adolescence. Regulatory policy and prevention interventions should take into account the shared risk factors and developmental patterns of nicotine and cannabis vaping to optimize prevention outcomes. Preventing escalation to regular dual use of nicotine and cannabis would have a significant public health impact, as cessation outcomes for adults who use both substances are poor.

Moustafa aF, Rodriguez D, Pianin Sh, Testa SM, audrain-McGovern JE. Dual Use of Nicotine and Cannabis Through Vaping among adolescents. american journal of preventive medicine. 2022;63(1):60-67. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2021.11.022