The University at Buffalo study is among the first to compare different modes of cannabis use and their link to binge drinking in US high school seniors. Using nationally representative Monitoring the Future survey data from 2018–2021, the researchers described patterns of use and examined associations between specific methods—smoking, vaping, edibles, and dabbing—and any binge drinking in the past two weeks. The findings appear in Substance Use & Misuse.
Overall, nearly 31% of participants reported cannabis use in the prior year. Among users, 87% reported smoking, 49% used edibles, and 45% vaped; 65% reported multi-modal use (two or more methods). The analysis showed that smoking, vaping, and dabbing were each associated with any past two-week binge drinking, whereas edible use was not associated. Michelle Goulette, the study's first author, emphasized that different modes matter and that multi-mode use raises the risk of binge drinking.
- Smoking, vaping, and dabbing: associated with binge drinking
- Edibles: not associated with binge drinking
- Multi-modal use increases risk
The authors note that greater availability of vaped and edible products and high youth exposure to cannabis advertising may be shifting use patterns. They conclude that modes of use should be measured more often among adolescents and that education and possible regulation could be considered for products that show greater risks.
Difficult words
- mode — a particular way or method of doing somethingmodes
- associate — to show a connection or relationship withassociated
- binge drinking — drinking a lot of alcohol in short time
- multi-modal — using two or more different methods together
- edible — a food product that contains cannabisedibles
- dab — to inhale concentrated cannabis vapor or smokedabbing
- regulation — official rules or laws that control something
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might measuring modes of cannabis use more often change education or prevention efforts in schools?
- Why could multi-modal cannabis use increase the risk of binge drinking among adolescents?
- What kinds of regulation or education could reduce risks from vaped or edible products?
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