Cannabis use is rapidly increasing among young people in New York City. The corresponding study was published in Tobacco Induced Diseases.
“We aimed to better understand use patterns and potential exposure to cannabis-related contaminants and associated health effects. Our findings show that cannabis use is diverse, complex, and growing —underscoring the need for further investigation,” said study author, Katlyn McGraw, PhD, postdoctoral research scientist of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia Mailman School, in a press release.
For the study, researchers recruited 372 adults regardless of cannabis use who were aged between 18 and 50 years old, with an average age of 26. They were in New York City, and data were collected between 2021 and 2024. The participants were assessed at three time points: at baseline, where they completed questions about cannabis use, around 12 months later, where they completed a more detailed questionnaire to examine longitudinal trends and specific methods of use, and lastly, around 24 months later.
At the first visit, 34% of participants reported use of both e-cigarettes and cannabis, whereas just 4% reported only using cannabis, and 35% reported using e-cigarettes but not cannabis. Just under 30% reported no substance use. By the second visit, 59% of participants reported cannabis use. Among them, 29% vaped the substance, 28% smoked it, 51% consumed edibles, 32% used CBD products, and 4% used topical cannabis.
The researchers also found that by the second visit, 21% of participants were new users of either self-reported vaped or smoked cannabis, whereas just 6% of those who smoked or vaped at the first visit had quit.
“Our study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to characterizing cannabis exposure. This includes considering the wide array of cannabis-derived products, accounting for multiple modes of consumption, and addressing the ongoing challenge of assessing real-world exposure,” wrote the researchers in their study.
“A deeper understanding of these complexities is essential for advancing research on the potential harms of cannabis use and the factors that influence them. Such evidence will ultimately provide a stronger foundation for guiding public health responses and informing future policy discussions,” they added.
Sources: EurekAlert, Tobacco Induced Diseases.
