A study from the University at Buffalo examined how twelfth graders use cannabis and whether specific modes of use are linked to recent binge drinking. The researchers analyzed nationally representative data from Monitoring the Future collected between 2018 and 2021. The work was published in Substance Use & Misuse.
Nearly 31% of survey participants reported cannabis use in the past year. Among those users, 87% reported smoking, 49% used edibles, and 45% vaped. A majority—65%—reported multi-modal use, meaning they used two or more different methods.
The analysis found that smoking, vaping, and dabbing were each associated with any binge drinking in the past two weeks, while edible use was not. Michelle Goulette, the study's first author, noted that using more than one mode increases the risk of binge drinking. The authors recommend measuring modes of use more often and considering education or regulation for higher-risk products.
Difficult words
- cannabis — a plant whose products are used as drugs
- binge drinking — drinking a large amount of alcohol quickly
- edible — food products that contain drugs like cannabisedibles
- multi-modal — using two or more different methods
- dab — inhaling concentrated cannabis vapor with a devicedabbing
- 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
- Do you think schools should teach students about different modes of cannabis use? Why or why not?
- How might measuring modes of use more often help reduce harm among teenagers?
- What kinds of education or regulation could lower risks for young people?
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