A review of only 9 existing treatment studies for tobacco-cannabis co-use found promising results for combined approaches, with no compensatory use when treating both simultaneously.
Clinicians treating substance use and co-use researchers.
Only 9 published studies exist on treating tobacco-cannabis co-use
What the researchers found
Across 9 studies, combined psychosocial strategies (CBT, motivational interviewing, contingency management) with pharmacotherapy (nicotine replacement) showed promise. No compensatory use was observed.
Why it matters
No clinical guidelines exist for treating co-use, and only 9 studies exist. Simultaneous treatment does not cause compensatory use.
The numbers in context
9 published studies; most 5-12 weeks; CBT, motivational interviewing, contingency management + nicotine replacement therapy
How the study worked
Narrative review with June 2024 literature search across multiple databases.
What this study cannot tell us
Only 9 studies, mostly feasibility-focused. Most in adults. Narrative review.
How to read the evidence
Narrative review of very sparse literature.
When this study was published
Published in 2024.
The bigger picture
With legalization expanding and vaping bridging tobacco and cannabis, co-use treatment research is urgent.
Questions still open
- Would digital interventions be more scalable?
- Are there unique pharmacotherapy needs for co-users?
Common questions
Can you treat both at the same time?
What treatments work?
Read the original research
Urgent need for treatment addressing co-use of tobacco and cannabis: An updated review and considerations for future interventions.
Addictive behaviors, 158, 108118
Citation
Nguyen, Nhung; Bold, Krysten W; McClure, Erin A. (2024). Urgent need for treatment addressing co-use of tobacco and cannabis: An updated review and considerations for future interventions.. Addictive behaviors, 158, 108118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108118
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