An ecological momentary assessment study to examine covariates and effects of concurrent and simultaneous use of electronic cigarettes and marijuana among college students. (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Buu, Anne; Yang, James J.; Ou, Tzung-Shiang; Kyung Nam, Joon; Suh, Ganghui; Lin, Hsien-Chang
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 141(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: E-cigarette -- Marijuana -- Vaping -- Co-use -- College student -- EMA; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107662
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Highlights: Frequent co-use of e-cigarettes and marijuana is linked to worse health outcomes. Simultaneous use of marijuana is associated with higher e-cigarette consumption. E-cigarette-marijuana co-use may have additive psychological effects. Abstract: Introduction: The prevalence of concurrent and simultaneous use of e-cigarette and marijuana among college students is high. Yet, the literature was mainly based on cross-sectional surveys with emphasis on the smoking route. This is the first ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study that examined the vaping route of nicotine-marijuana co-use and the associated short-term psychological effects. Methods: This study recruited 686 college student e-cigarette users to participate in an on-line survey and 7-day EMA. Frequent marijuana users (2 4 7) – using marijuana weekly or daily – were compared with infrequent/non-users (4 3 9) on academic performance, e-cigarette use patterns, and dependence and respiratory symptoms. EMA data from the frequent users were used to study the association between marijuana vaping and e-cigarette consumption and the short-term psychological effects of e-cigarette and marijuana use. Results: The results show that e-cigarette users who frequently used marijuana tended to have lower academic performance, be involved in higher-risk use patterns, and have higher levels of e-cigarette dependence, marijuana problems, and respiratory symptoms, compared to infrequent/non-users. Marijuana vaping was associated with a higher level of e-cigarette consumption. E-cigarette use and marijuana use were both associated with higher levels of positive affect, physiological sensation, and craving for e-cigarettes. While marijuana use was linked to a lower level of negative affect, e-cigarette use did not have a significant effect. Further, none of the interaction effects between e-cigarette and marijuana use on psychological states were significant. Conclusions: The results showed additive effects of e-cigarette and marijuana use although the hypothesized synergistic effects were not supported.