The study, led by Rebecca Evans-Polce at the University of Michigan and funded by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health, analysed 2022–23 data from 8,722 people aged 12–34 who had used nicotine, tobacco or cannabis in the past 30 days. Users reported using on average about two different products during that period.
Researchers identified six user subgroups: combustible tobacco (31%), multiple forms of cannabis (27%), vaping nicotine (18%), multiple forms and co-use of nicotine, tobacco, and cannabis (14%), cannabis edibles (5%) and multiple forms and co-use of nicotine and tobacco (5%). The largest group was combustible tobacco, and several other groups also used smoked products.
Evans-Polce warned that using multiple product types increases exposure to carcinogens and toxins and can make quitting much harder. The study found few sex differences in overall patterns but reported higher combustible tobacco use among males and among Black and African American youth. It calls for continued monitoring, regulation and targeted prevention and cessation resources.
Difficult words
- analyse — examine data to find informationanalysed
- subgroup — smaller group inside a larger groupsubgroups
- combustible — able to burn or produce smoke
- vape — inhale vapor from an electronic devicevaping
- co-use — use two or more products together
- carcinogen — substance that can cause cancer in peoplecarcinogens
- cessation — the process of stopping a harmful habit
- exposure — contact with a harmful substance or agent
- regulation — official rules that control activities or products
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might using several product types make it harder to quit? Give two short reasons.
- What kinds of targeted prevention or cessation resources could help young people in your opinion?
- How could monitoring and regulation change youth use of nicotine, tobacco, or cannabis?
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