Cannabis use among adolescents can result in long-term effects on brain development. These effects may include impairment in cognitive functions like learning, thinking, and problem solving, memory loss, and impaired coordination. Regular cannabis use can also increase adolescents’ risk of developing mental health problems including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. Cannabis and tobacco products are becoming increasingly interwoven which is leading to higher rates of concurrent use of these substances. In particular, the combined use of cannabis and tobacco in blunt form is a contributor to the high prevalence of cigar use among adolescents. Liquid Cannabis Vape products (LCV) have also reached the market which allows for non-combustible means of consuming cannabis liquid, oil, and wax. This study examines cannabis use via blunts and LCV among adolescents and emerging adults who report e-cigarette use.  

The study’s sample consisted of 2,253 adolescents and emerging adults (age 14-20) who reported ever use of e-cigarettes at least 3 times. Participants were asked to detail past 30 day substance use and lifetime substance use. In particular respondents were questioned about cannabis use smoked as a blunt and cannabis use as an oil, wax, or liquid to vape or dab. Participants were also asked to report age, gender, race/ethnicity, school enrollment, and income sufficiency. Data was analyzed using multinomial logistic regressions to assess for patterns in cannabis use.  

Results of the data analysis showed 61% of participants used cannabis in the past 30 days. Among these participants, 62% reported smoking blunts and 70% reported using LCVs. In addition, 80% reported use of flavored cannabis. Cannabis use in blunt form was more common among non-Hispanic Black and multiracial participants, respondents not in school, and those whose incomes does not meet their expenses. Greater LCV use was observed among those whose income was ‘just enough’ to meet daily expenses. Participants using cannabis in the past 30 days were more likely to report use of e-cigarettes, other form of tobacco, and alcohol in the past 30 days.  

Croker, J.A., Werts, M., Couch, E.T., Chaffee, B.W.. Cannabis Use Among Adolescents and Emerging Adults who Use E-Cigarettes: Findings from an Online, National US Sample. Addictive Behaviors. 2023;107620. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107620 

Takeaway: Use of e-cigarettes may increase risk of cannabis use in blunt and Liquid Cannabis Vape (LCV) formulations among adolescents and emerging adults.