The combined use of cannabis and tobacco, often referred to as co-use, is a growing concern among young adult college students. This behaviour poses significant risks to physical health, mental well-being, and academic success. Whether through concurrent use or co-administration, combining these substances leads to outcomes far worse than using either individually.

What is Co-Use of Cannabis and Tobacco?

Co-use can take two forms. Concurrent use refers to consuming cannabis and tobacco within the same time frame but through separate products, such as smoking tobacco and later using cannabis. Co-administration, on the other hand, involves blending the two substances, such as rolling cannabis in a tobacco leaf or blunt wrap.

Data shows that nearly 30–60% of college students who use cannabis also report using tobacco products. Co-administration methods like blunt and spliff smoking are strongly linked to increased dependency and greater health risks over time.

The Prevalence of Co-Use Among College Students

Research indicates that a significant number of college students engage in the combined use of cannabis and tobacco. These behaviours often begin at an early age, increasing the likelihood of continuation into adulthood. Studies have shown that usage patterns are highly stable over time, with most young adults maintaining their habits for years. For instance, a study conducted from 2016 to 2019 found that, among the 42% of cannabis users who had used tobacco, many continued co-use throughout the research period.

Understanding this long-term stability is crucial, as it underscores how early choices shape future health behaviours.

Health Consequences of Tobacco and Cannabis Co-Use

The combined effects of using cannabis and tobacco are particularly harmful. Research highlights diminished lung capacity and worsened respiratory conditions as major health consequences. Additionally, nicotine dependence is heightened when combined with cannabis, making it harder to quit.

Young adults who engage in co-use also tend to consume higher quantities of both substances, amplifying risks to their physical and mental health. Over time, these behaviours can lead to declining academic performance and impaired overall well-being.

The Need for Preventive Action

To safeguard student well-being, public health initiatives must address the dangers of combining cannabis and tobacco. Raising awareness about the harmful consequences of these behaviours is essential. Prevention-focused education that emphasizes the risks of habitual substance use can provide a foundation for healthier decision-making.

Since co-use patterns often emerge during college years, early identification of these behaviours is key to breaking the cycle. Promoting alternative, substance-free methods for managing stress and socializing can positively influence young adult lifestyles.

Rejecting the Co-Use Culture

Normalizing the combined use of cannabis and tobacco poses a serious health risk to today’s youth. By fostering a culture that discourages substance use in any form, schools, colleges, and families can create an environment where individuals are empowered to achieve their educational and life goals without the burden of harmful habits.

Source: Science Direct