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

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.

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 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.

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.