Summary
Summary: Since 2016, California has implemented a series of policies, including prohibiting the sale of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to persons under 21, cigarette tax increase, and recreational marijuana legalization. The study aims to examine the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana among young adults (ages 18–25) and their associations with other factors in the context of these policy changes.
Researchers used 2017–2018 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data to compare the rates of using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana separately or any use of the three.
Findings: Cigarette smoking remained flat while the use of e-cigarettes and marijuana escalated among young adults from 2017 to 2018. Using tobacco products increased the use of marijuana or vice versa among young adults. Severe psychological distress was significantly associated with cigarette use, marijuana use, and any use. Moderate psychological distress was also significantly associated with the use of these products/substance. Underage (ages 18–20) young adults had lower odds of using cigarettes than other young adults (ages 21–25).
These findings highlight the importance of addressing the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana simultaneously through policies to curtail tobacco and marijuana use among young adults.
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