Due to the legalization of cannabis for recreational use and the increasing popularity of vaping devices, nicotine and tobacco products (NTP) are now some of the most used substances in adolescence and early adulthood. It has been shown that young adults who use NTP are more likely to increase or initiate the use of cannabis, while those who begin cannabis use have a higher chance of reporting increased use of NTPs. Young adults who co-use NTPs and cannabis are at an increased risk for poor psychosocial and health outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine the associations among adolescents/young adults’ initial experiences with NTPs, lifetime frequency of substance use, substance-related problems, and mental health symptoms.
This study consisted of 204 participants who were part of an ongoing project investigating the effects of cannabis and nicotine use on adolescent/young adult brain development. All participants were between the ages of 16 and 22. All participants were asked to not partake in any alcohol use for 24 hours and cannabis use for 12 hours prior to their appointment. Sociodemographic, substance use history and problems, and mental health were all measured. Participants were separated into groups based on what product or substance they reported using at the earliest age. These groups were then compared on substance use, substance-related problems, and mental health symptoms.
With the rising and widespread use of NTPs and cannabis, it is even more critical than ever to understand how early exposure to substances impacts one’s adulthood. Results showed that participants’ first use of nicotine substance was related to lifetime use of that substance. Results also showed that initial NTP use can continue influencing product choice through adolescence and young adulthood. Those who use nicotine may be at an increased risk for greater nicotine use and mental health problems, and those who initiate NTP use with the co-use of cannabis have a similar risk of adverse outcomes to a group that starts NTP without cannabis. More longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the impacts of nicotine and cannabis co-use impact on adulthood.
Takeaway: Those who use nicotine or co-use nicotine, and cannabis may be at an increased risk for greater nicotine use and mental health problems.