Dual Use of E-Cigarettes and Cannabis Among Young People in America: A New Public Health Hurdle?
Megan E. Roberts, Alayna P. Tackett, Jill M. Singer, Dylan D. Wagner, Bo Lü, Theodore L. Wagener, Marielle C. Brinkman, Elizabeth G. Klein, Katrina A. Vickerman, Loren E. Wold, Richard J. Gumina, Peter J. Mohler
Abstract
In this commentary, we discuss the concerning prevalence of cannabis use among young people who use e-cigarettes. National data in the U.S., as well as our own local data, indicate that dual use (i.e., nicotine e-cigarette use and cannabis use) is more common than e-cigarette use alone. Our commentary discusses why this dual use is a major concern for public health. We argue that continuing to examine e-cigarettes in isolation is not only impractical but also problematic, as it misses out on opportunities to understand additive and multiplicative health impacts, to share cross-knowledge, and to inform prevention and treatment. This commentary calls for more attention to dual use and concerted, equity-enhancing efforts from funders and researchers.