During 2018, California legalized recreational cannabis use for those over the age of 21. Around the same time California also enacted policies to reduce cigarette and vaping use including prohibiting use in workplaces and many public areas and increasing the tax on cigarettes. Young adults who use tobacco and cannabis problems are at risk for addiction and mental and physical health consequences. Use of cannabis and tobacco products can also increase risk of future addiction to other drugs. This study examines the use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and cannabis among young adults following drug use policy changes in California.  

The study’s sample consisted of 3,929 young adults ages 18-25 who participated in the California Health Interview Survey. Participants were asked to report cigarette, e-cigarette, and cannabis use behaviors. Responses were used to determine if participants were current users of these substances. The Kessler 6 (K6) scale was used to assess frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms in the past 30 days. Scores were then used to categorize students as no/mild psychological distress, moderate psychological distress, or severe psychological distress. Data was analyzed using bivariate analysis chi-squared tests and weighted logistic regression models.  

Results of the data analysis showed that there was no significant change in cigarette use between 2017 and 2018. However, there was an increase in cannabis and e-cigarette use during this timeframe. The odds of cannabis use were five times higher for those who were currently smoking e-cigarettes. Young adults age 18-20 had lower odds of smoking cigarettes than older young adults. Moderate to severe psychological distress was associated with a higher odds of using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis. In addition, males had higher odds than females of using any of three substances. Those with incomes greater than 200% FPL had a greater likelihood of using any of the three substances compared to those with lower incomes. 

Takeaway: Changes in drug use policies in California may have impacted use of cannabis and electronic cigarettes among young adults.  

Meng, Y.Y., Yu, Y., Ponce, N.A.. Cigarette, Electronic Cigarette, and Marijuana Use Among Young Adults under Policy Changes in California. Addictive Behaviors Reports. 2022;100459. Doi: 10.1016/j.abrep.2022.100459