Among LA tenth-graders, 31% had tried smoking cannabis, 21% had tried edibles, and most users consumed via multiple methods | Research

The takeaway

A survey of 3,177 tenth-grade students in Los Angeles found high prevalence of cannabis use across administration methods (31% combustible, 21% edible, 11% vaporized), with 62% of users consuming via multiple methods and significant sociodemographic differences in product choice.

School-based prevention program developers; public health officials in legal cannabis states; pediatricians screening for substance use.

21% of tenth-graders had tried edible cannabis; 62% of users consumed via multiple methods

What the researchers found

Researchers surveyed 3,177 tenth-grade students (mean age 16.1, 54% girls) from 10 Los Angeles high schools.

Ever-use prevalence: combustible (smoking) 31.3%, edible 21.3%, vaporized 10.5%. Past 30-day use: combustible 13.4%, edible 7.8%, vaporized 4.9%.

Among recent cannabis users, combustible was used most frequently (2.65 more days/month than edible, 1.75 more than vaporized).

Most cannabis users (62%) used multiple administration methods. 8.2% of all students had tried all three methods.

Sociodemographic differences emerged:

- Boys had higher vaporized use but similar rates of combustible and edible use.

- Lower SES students had higher combustible and edible use but similar vaporized use.

- The diverse sample was 48% Hispanic, 17% Asian, 16% white.

Why it matters

The high prevalence of edible cannabis use among adolescents (21%) is notable because edibles carry unique risks including delayed onset leading to overconsumption, difficulty dosing, and accidental ingestion. The finding that most users consume via multiple methods suggests prevention needs to address the full spectrum of cannabis products.

The numbers in context

3,177 students, mean age 16.1. Ever use: 31.3% combustible, 21.3% edible, 10.5% vaporized. 30-day use: 13.4%, 7.8%, 4.9%. 61.7% of users used multiple methods. 8.2% used all three. Low SES: higher combustible and edible use.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional survey of 3,177 tenth-grade students from 10 Los Angeles high schools. Part of the Happiness and Health Study prospective cohort. Self-reported ever use, past 30-day use, and frequency.

What this study cannot tell us

Los Angeles-specific sample in a legalized state. Self-report may underestimate use. 2015 data precedes some changes in the cannabis market. Cross-sectional design cannot track progression across product types.

How to read the evidence

Moderate. Large diverse sample from multiple schools, but single-city cross-sectional design limits generalizability.

When this study was published

Published in 2018 using 2015 data. Cannabis product diversity and marketing have continued to expand since.

The bigger picture

Cannabis legalization and commercialization have dramatically expanded the product landscape. This is among the first studies to document how adolescents are navigating multiple cannabis product types, revealing that polyuse is the norm rather than the exception.

Questions still open

Are edible users at different risk than smokers? Does polyuse escalate over time? Do adolescents understand the different risk profiles of various cannabis products? How should prevention programs address product-specific risks?

Common questions

Why is edible cannabis use in teens concerning?

Edibles have delayed onset (30-120 minutes), making it easy to consume too much before feeling effects. They can also look like regular food/candy, increasing accidental ingestion risk. Adolescents may not understand how to dose edibles safely, and the effects can be more intense and longer-lasting than smoking.

Why do low-income students use more?

Lower SES students had higher rates of combustible and edible (but not vaporized) cannabis use. This may reflect differences in availability, peer norms, stress, or access to vaporizing devices (which require upfront purchase). The pattern suggests SES-specific prevention approaches may be needed.

Read the original research

Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Adolescent Use and Polyuse of Combustible, Vaporized, and Edible Cannabis Products.

JAMA network open, 1(5), e182765

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Peters, Erica N; Bae, Dayoung; Barrington-Trimis, Jessica L; Jarvis, Brantley P; Leventhal, Adam M. (2018). Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Adolescent Use and Polyuse of Combustible, Vaporized, and Edible Cannabis Products.. JAMA network open, 1(5), e182765. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.2765