Among adolescent daily cigarette smokers, those who also used cannabis daily reported higher cigarette demand but were more sensitive to price increases, suggesting economic interventions could be particularly effective for dual users.
Tobacco control researchers, behavioral economists, and adolescent substance use clinicians.
Higher demand but greater price sensitivity
What the researchers found
Daily cannabis-using adolescents showed significantly higher cigarette demand intensity than non-users. However, daily cannabis users were also more sensitive to cigarette price changes (higher alpha) than non-daily and non-users, meaning their demand dropped more steeply as price increased. No differences in delay discounting (impulsivity) were found by cannabis use status.
Why it matters
Adolescent cannabis and tobacco co-use is increasing. Understanding how cannabis use alters the reinforcing value of cigarettes can inform pricing policies and targeted cessation strategies for dual-using youth.
The numbers in context
N = 70 adolescents aged 17-19. Daily cannabis users showed higher cigarette demand intensity. Daily cannabis users showed greater price sensitivity (alpha). No difference in delay discounting across groups.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional study of 70 adolescents aged 17-19 who smoked at least 1 cigarette per day. Participants completed timeline follow-back for 30-day cannabis use, a Cigarette Purchase Task (behavioral economic demand), and a Delay Discounting Task. Three groups: daily, non-daily, and no cannabis use.
What this study cannot tell us
Very small sample size (n=70) with limited statistical power. Cross-sectional design. Hypothetical purchasing task may not reflect real-world behavior. Only daily cigarette smokers were included.
How to read the evidence
Behavioral economic methodology is well-established, but very small sample limits generalizability and statistical confidence.
When this study was published
2025 publication
The bigger picture
The finding that daily cannabis users want more cigarettes but are more price-responsive suggests that tobacco tax policy could disproportionately affect dual-using youth, potentially as a lever for reducing cigarette consumption in this high-risk group.
Questions still open
- Why does daily cannabis use increase cigarette demand? Does cannabis create a complementary reinforcement that boosts desire for nicotine? Would cigarette price increases disproportionately reduce smoking among cannabis co-users?
Common questions
Why would cannabis users want more cigarettes?
Could raising cigarette prices help dual-using teens quit?
Read the original research
The Relationship between Cannabis Use and Demand for Cigarettes in Adolescents who Smoke Cigarettes.
Drug and alcohol dependence, 277, 112959
Citation
Cornacchione Ross, Jennifer; Denlinger-Apte, Rachel L; Bello, Mariel S; Tidey, Jennifer W; Colby, Suzanne M; Cassidy, Rachel N. (2025). The Relationship between Cannabis Use and Demand for Cigarettes in Adolescents who Smoke Cigarettes.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 277, 112959. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2025.112959
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