Nicotine dependence predicts cannabis use disorder symptoms among adolescents and young adults. (1st June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dierker, Lisa; Braymiller, Jessica; Rose, Jennifer; Goodwin, Renee; Selya, Arielle
• Is Part Of: Drug and alcohol dependence. Volume 187(2018)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 220
• Publication Date: 2018-06-01
• Subjects: Smoking -- Nicotine dependence -- Cannabis -- Cannabis use disorder symptoms; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.02.037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-8716

Abstract

Highlights: We examine cannabis use disorder symptoms and nicotine dependence. Cigarette use was associated with cannabis use and cannabis use disorder symptoms. Nicotine dependence was associated with each cannabis use disorder symptom. This effect remained after controlling for smoking and cannabis use. This effect was significant across all levels of cannabis use. Abstract: Purpose: We evaluate if cigarette smoking and/or nicotine dependence predicts cannabis use disorder symptoms among adolescent and young adult cannabis users and whether the relationships differ based on frequency of cannabis use. Methods: Data were drawn from seven annual surveys of the NSDUH to include adolescents and young adults (age 12–21) who reported using cannabis at least once in the past 30 days (n = 21, 928). Cannabis use frequency trends in the association between cigarette smoking, nicotine dependence and cannabis use disorder symptoms were assessed using Varying Coefficient Models (VCM's). Results: Over half of current cannabis users also smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days (54.7% SE 0.48). Cigarette smoking in the past 30 days was associated with earlier onset of cannabis use, more frequent cannabis use and a larger number of cannabis use disorder symptoms compared to those who did not smoke cigarettes. After statistical control for socio-demographic characteristics and other substance use behaviors, nicotine dependence but not cigarette smoking quantity or frequency was positively and significantly associated with each of the cannabis use disorder symptoms as well as the total number of cannabis symptoms endorsed. Higher nicotine dependence scores were consistently associated with the cannabis use disorder symptoms across all levels of cannabis use from 1 day used (past month) to daily cannabis use, though the relationship was strongest among infrequent cannabis users. Conclusion: Prevention and treatment efforts should consider cigarette smoking comorbidity when addressing the increasing proportion of the US population that uses cannabis.