THC and CBD were each available in about 10% of tobacco retailers in NYC, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, with e-cigarette and cigar stores 2-3x more likely to carry cannabinoids.
tobacco/cannabis policy researchers, retail regulators, public health officials
What the researchers found
THC and CBD were each available in 9.8% of stores with no significant differences across cities despite different cannabis policies. Stores selling e-cigarettes had 3.2x higher odds of selling THC and 3.0x for CBD. Cigar stores had 2.6x higher odds for THC and 1.8x for CBD. Cigarette-selling stores had lower odds of carrying cannabinoids.
Why it matters
The convergence of tobacco and cannabis retail creates opportunities for co-use initiation and makes product exposure harder to regulate. The finding that cannabinoid availability was similar regardless of state cannabis policy suggests federal hemp law may be the dominant driver.
The numbers in context
1,402 tobacco retailers surveyed. THC: 9.8% of stores. CBD: 9.8%. E-cigarette stores: aOR 3.2 for THC, 3.0 for CBD. Cigar stores: aOR 2.6 for THC, 1.8 for CBD. Cigarette stores: aOR 0.5 for THC, 0.4 for CBD. No city differences.
How the study worked
Stratified random sample of 20% of licensed tobacco retailers (n=1,402) across NYC and San Francisco (recreational cannabis legal) and Philadelphia (medical only). In-person visits June-December 2023 documented product availability. Logistic regression analyzed associations.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional survey at one timepoint. Product availability does not measure actual sales or co-use. Cannot determine if products were legal hemp-derived vs. illicit THC. Three cities may not represent all markets.
How to read the evidence
Multi-city field survey with adequate sampling and direct observation, but cross-sectional design and three-city scope limit to moderate.
When this study was published
Data collected June-December 2023.
The bigger picture
The lack of city-level differences despite different cannabis laws suggests the 2018 Farm Bill's hemp legalization may have created a nationwide cannabinoid market that operates through existing tobacco retail channels regardless of state cannabis policy.
Questions still open
- Does cannabinoid availability in tobacco stores increase co-use initiation?
- Are the THC products in these stores legal hemp-derived products or illicit?
Common questions
Can you buy cannabis at tobacco stores?
Which tobacco stores are most likely to sell cannabis?
Read the original research
Concurrent availability of cannabinoid and tobacco products in licensed tobacco retailers in three U.S. cities.
The International journal on drug policy, 146, 105041
Citation
Spillane, Torra E; Cohen, Joanna E; Spindle, Tory R; Thrul, Johannes; Moran, Meghan; Lee, Hye Myung; Giovenco, Daniel P. (2025). Concurrent availability of cannabinoid and tobacco products in licensed tobacco retailers in three U.S. cities.. The International journal on drug policy, 146, 105041. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.105041