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Heterogeneity in Nicotine, Tobacco, and Cannabis Use Among US Adolescents and Adults

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research from the University of Michigan has highlighted the complexity of nicotine, tobacco, and cannabis use among US adolescents and adults aged 12-34 years. The study, conducted with financial support from NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI), analyzed data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Wave 7 (2022-2023) to identify subgroups of users based on their patterns of nicotine, tobacco, and cannabis use. The findings revealed substantial heterogeneity in use patterns, with six distinct subgroups identified, including combustible tobacco, multimodal cannabis, vaping nicotine, and others.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Wave 7 (2022-2023) to analyze nicotine, tobacco, and cannabis use among 8,722 individuals aged 12-34 years.
  • The analysis identified six subgroups of users based on their patterns of use, including combustible tobacco (30.77%), multimodal cannabis (26.72%), vaping nicotine (18.37%), and others.
  • Individuals reported using an average of approximately 2 products in the past 30 days, with sociodemographic characteristics associated with class membership.
  • Of particular concern, most of the sample reported combustible use, including 3 subgroups that reported multiple modes of use.
  • The research concluded that continued surveillance of nicotine, tobacco, and cannabis use is needed, particularly as the products and their regulation continue to evolve.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 8,722 individuals aged 12-34 years were included in the analysis.
  • On average, individuals reported using approximately 2 products in the past 30 days (mean=2.08).
  • Six subgroups of nicotine, tobacco, and cannabis use were identified: combustible tobacco (30.77%), multimodal cannabis (26.72%), vaping nicotine (18.37%), multimodal co-use (13.87%), cannabis edibles (5.31%), and multimodal nicotine/tobacco (4.95%).

Sources:

  • "Heterogeneity In Nicotine, Tobacco, and Cannabis Use Among Us Adolescents and Adults Aged 12-34 Years." American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2025;69(5).
  • University of Michigan, Ctr Study Drugs Alcohol Smoking & Hlth, School of Nursing.
  • NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI).

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