About 8% of US young adults co-vape nicotine and cannabis, with mental health challenges and cannabis legalization driving higher rates.
Public health professionals, addiction researchers, policymakers working on cannabis and tobacco regulation
What the researchers found
Among emerging adults, 16% reported exclusive nicotine vaping, 4.3% exclusive cannabis vaping, and 8.1% co-vaping. Mental health distress, substance co-use, and medical cannabis legalization significantly increased odds of all vaping behaviors.
Why it matters
As both nicotine and cannabis vaping become more common, understanding who co-vapes and why is critical for designing targeted prevention programs — especially since mental health and policy factors play significant roles.
The numbers in context
16.0% exclusive nicotine vaping, 4.3% exclusive cannabis vaping, 8.1% co-vaping among emerging adults. Sexual minorities, lower education levels, and non-Hispanic White individuals showed higher vaping rates.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional analysis of 2022-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data examining past-month vaping rates and associations with sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, substance use, and cannabis legalization status.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design prevents causal conclusions. Self-reported data may underestimate actual vaping rates. Cannot distinguish between different cannabis products or concentrations vaped.
How to read the evidence
Large nationally representative dataset provides strong population estimates, though cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
When this study was published
Uses 2022-2023 NSDUH data, reflecting current vaping landscape.
The bigger picture
The intersection of nicotine and cannabis vaping creates compounded health risks that traditional anti-smoking campaigns weren't designed to address. As cannabis legalization expands, public health messaging needs to evolve to address co-vaping specifically.
Questions still open
- What specific mental health interventions could reduce co-vaping rates? Does cannabis legalization increase co-vaping through product availability or social normalization?
Common questions
How common is cannabis vaping among young adults?
Does cannabis legalization increase vaping?
Read the original research
Nicotine and cannabis vaping among U.S. emerging young adults: Findings from 2022 and 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Addictive behaviors, 174, 108577
Citation
Kim, Nayoung; Haizelden, Joy; Avery, Gracie; Mumba, Mercy. (2026). Nicotine and cannabis vaping among U.S. emerging young adults: Findings from 2022 and 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.. Addictive behaviors, 174, 108577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108577
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