Cannabis Use Was Linked to Lower Motivation to Quit Tobacco Among Disadvantaged Smokers | Research

The takeaway

Among socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers in Australia, weekly cannabis use was associated with lower motivation to quit tobacco, though it was not associated with lower intentions to quit in the next 30 days.

Read this if you use both cannabis and tobacco and are thinking about quitting smoking.

100% of concurrent tobacco-cannabis users reported simultaneous use; cannabis associated with lower quit motivation.

What the researchers found

In a survey of 369 current tobacco smokers receiving community services in New South Wales, Australia, 19% reported concurrent tobacco and cannabis use. Among those, 100% reported simultaneous use (using both during the same session).

Weekly cannabis use was significantly associated with lower motivation to quit tobacco. However, cannabis use was not associated with intentions to quit in the next 30 days. This distinction suggests that cannabis users may have reduced general motivation for cessation but are not less likely to take concrete steps toward quitting when asked about near-term plans.

Why it matters

Socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers have higher smoking rates and face more barriers to quitting. Understanding that cannabis co-use may further reduce motivation (but not intention) is relevant for tailoring cessation interventions. The 100% rate of simultaneous use suggests the two substances are deeply intertwined in this population.

The numbers in context

369 participants (77% consent rate). 19% (n=71) reported concurrent tobacco-cannabis use. 100% of concurrent users reported simultaneous use. Cannabis use associated with lower motivation but not lower 30-day quit intentions.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional survey conducted in 2013-2014 with current tobacco smokers receiving aid from two community service organizations in New South Wales, Australia (77% consent rate). Weekly cannabis use in the past month, motivation to quit tobacco, and intentions to quit within 30 days were measured. Regression analyses examined associations.

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional design cannot determine whether cannabis use caused lower motivation or whether less motivated smokers were more likely to use cannabis. Small subgroup of cannabis users (n=71). Socioeconomically disadvantaged Australian sample may not generalize broadly. Self-reported cannabis use may be underreported.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary evidence from a cross-sectional survey of a specific population. The finding is clinically relevant but needs longitudinal confirmation.

When this study was published

Published in 2016. Dual tobacco-cannabis use patterns continue to be studied, especially with changing legalization.

The bigger picture

The distinction between motivation (a general psychological state) and intention (a specific behavioral plan) is important for intervention design. Cannabis may sap the general desire to quit without affecting whether someone would accept a concrete quit opportunity when offered one. This suggests that proactive cessation support may be effective even for cannabis co-users.

Questions still open

Would addressing cannabis use as part of tobacco cessation improve motivation and outcomes? Does the 100% simultaneous use rate suggest shared reinforcement mechanisms? Would cessation programs that offer cannabis support alongside tobacco support be more effective in this population?

Common questions

Does cannabis make it harder to quit smoking?

This study found cannabis use was associated with lower motivation to quit tobacco, but not lower intention to quit in the next month. This suggests cannabis may reduce the general desire to quit without preventing concrete quit attempts when the opportunity arises.

Do people use cannabis and tobacco at the same time?

In this study, 100% of people who used both reported using them simultaneously. This suggests the two substances may be functionally linked in these users' behavior, potentially reinforcing each other.

Read the original research

The association between cannabis use and motivation and intentions to quit tobacco within a sample of Australian socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers.

Health education research, 31(6), 771-781

View on PubMed ↗

Citation

Twyman, Laura; Bonevski, Billie; Paul, Christine; Kay-Lambkin, Frances J; Bryant, Jamie; Oldmeadow, C; Palazzi, K; Guillaumier, A. (2016). The association between cannabis use and motivation and intentions to quit tobacco within a sample of Australian socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers.. Health education research, 31(6), 771-781.