A recent study from the University of Michigan has found that while young Americans use nicotine, tobacco, and cannabis in various ways, smoking remains the most common method among users. The research analyzed data from 8,722 individuals aged 12 to 34 who reported using these substances in the past month.
The study identified six distinct user groups: those primarily using combustible tobacco (31%), multiple forms of cannabis (27%), vaping nicotine (18%), co-using multiple forms of nicotine, tobacco, and cannabis (14%), consuming cannabis edibles (5%), and co-using multiple forms of nicotine and tobacco (5%). The largest group was those who used combustible tobacco products.
Lead investigator Rebecca Evans-Polce, a research associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, emphasized the risks associated with these patterns. "They reported using a lot of different types of nicotine and tobacco and a lot of types of cannabis," Evans-Polce said. "We know that using multiple types exposes you to higher levels of carcinogens and toxins and can make it much harder to quit using."
She also noted changes in usage patterns between males and females. "That we didn't see more differences in males and females is notable," Evans-Polce said. "The most recent research findings show generally that sex differences in alcohol and drug use have diminished,and in some cases disappeared among many age groups. So, this fits with this trend and suggests that females are now at just as high a risk for high risk patterns of cannabis and tobacco use as males."
The study found higher rates of combustible tobacco use among males and Black or African American youth. Evans-Polce stated that prevention resources should focus on these populations. She added, "It is important to know what types of products are being used, especially among youth, so that our interventions are addressing these latest trends and are relevant to young people."
Evans-Polce highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring as new product forms emerge and regulations change. Further research will examine how regulatory environments influence usage patterns among youth.
Co-authors on the study include Jessica Mongilio, Sean Esteban McCabe, and Phil Veliz from the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking, and Health at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.
