Marijuana/Cannabis Research Reveals Sex Differences in Nicotine-Cannabis Co-Use

Strategic Insights -

A recent study from the University of Southern California (USC) has uncovered nuanced cross-level interactions in nicotine-cannabis co-use, highlighting a significant association between prior-day cannabis use and increased next-morning cigarette craving among females, but not males. The research, conducted between 2020-2022, utilized a subsample of 101 participants who reported cannabis use on 1 or more days during the study period. The findings, which have been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, emphasize the need for temporally-granular research to yield informative addiction prevention data.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant interaction between prior-day cannabis use and increased next-morning cigarette craving, with females experiencing elevated craving (b = 0.33; p = 0.03) but not males (b = -0.10; p = 0.36).
  • The research utilized a subsample of 101 participants who reported cannabis use on 1 or more days during the study period (n = 101; Mage = 42.94; 45.54% female).
  • The study controlled for relevant covariates and tested sex as the effect modifier in the multilevel models.
  • The findings suggest that sex differences in nicotine-cannabis co-use are complex and multifaceted, with females experiencing heightened craving after cannabis use.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering sex differences in addiction prevention and treatment strategies.

Statistics:

  • 225 participants were recruited for the study (Mage = 43.06; 49.33% female).
  • The study period spanned 2020-2022.
  • 101 participants reported cannabis use on 1 or more days during the study period (n = 101; Mage = 42.94; 45.54% female).
  • The associations between prior-day cannabis use and next-morning cigarette craving were significant for females (b = 0.33; p = 0.03) but not males (b = -0.10; p = 0.36).

Sources:

  • Life Science Weekly. New Findings from University of Southern California (USC) in the Area of Marijuana/Cannabis Reported (Increased Cigarette Craving Following Prior-day Cannabis Use Among Females Who Smoke Combustible Cigarettes).
  • Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2025;276.
  • Drug and Alcohol Dependence can be contacted at: Elsevier Ireland Ltd, Elsevier House, Brookvale Plaza, East Park Shannon, Co, Clare, 00000, Ireland.
  • University of Southern California (USC). University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Dept Populat & Publ Hlth Sci, Los Angeles, CA, United States.