Quitting Tobacco and Cannabis Go Hand in Hand — But Few UK Young Adults Seek Help for Either | Research

The takeaway

Among 141 UK young adults who co-used tobacco and cannabis, 87% had tried to reduce or quit in the past 6 months, but almost none used formal support — and quitting one substance was significantly linked to quitting the other.

Cessation counselors, public health officials, educators working with young adults, and researchers developing co-use interventions.

What the researchers found

86.5% had made some effort to quit or reduce tobacco and/or cannabis in the past 6 months, but few used formal support. Quitting one was significantly associated with quitting the other (p=0.01). Motivation to quit tobacco was significantly higher than motivation to quit cannabis (t=7.38, p=0.01). 40% used tobacco daily, 21% used cannabis daily.

Why it matters

Tobacco and cannabis are usually treated separately in cessation programs, but this study shows they're tightly linked — quitting one helps quit the other. Integrated co-use interventions could be more effective and efficient than addressing each substance alone.

The numbers in context

141 survey respondents, 18 interviewed. 40% daily tobacco, 21% daily cannabis. 86.5% tried to quit/reduce. Quitting one linked to quitting the other (p = 0.01). Tobacco quit motivation significantly higher than cannabis (p = 0.01). UK Further Education colleges (ages 16–30).

How the study worked

Sequential explanatory mixed methods study using the COM-B behavioral model. Survey of 141 UK Further Education students aged 16–30 with recent tobacco and cannabis use, plus 18 follow-up interviews. Chi-square and t-tests compared quitting behaviors between substances.

What this study cannot tell us

UK-specific, particularly Further Education setting. Self-selected sample of co-users. Self-reported data. Cross-sectional survey cannot determine temporal ordering. Small qualitative component (18 interviews).

How to read the evidence

Mixed methods study with reasonable sample size and validated behavioral model, but cross-sectional and UK-specific.

When this study was published

Published 2025.

The bigger picture

The strong linkage between tobacco and cannabis cessation suggests that successful quitting of either substance could serve as a gateway to quitting the other. Designing 'co-cessation' programs that address both simultaneously could leverage this natural connection.

Questions still open

Would integrated tobacco-cannabis cessation programs be more effective than separate ones? Why is tobacco quit motivation higher — stigma, health messaging, or cost? Could nicotine replacement therapy support cannabis cessation through the tobacco link?

Common questions

If I quit smoking, will it help me quit cannabis too?

This study found a significant association — young adults who quit one substance were more likely to quit the other. While not proof of causation, the linkage suggests that success with one may create momentum for the other.

Why don't young adults seek help to quit?

The study identified gaps in capability (not knowing how) and opportunity (not knowing where to get help) as barriers. Most young adults tried to quit on their own, suggesting formal cessation services aren't reaching or appealing to this population.

Read the original research

Understanding Tobacco and Cannabis Co-Use, Cessation Strategies and Intervention Opportunities with Young Adults in UK Further Education Colleges: A Mixed Methods Study.

Substance use & misuse, 60(14), 2125-2135

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Walsh, Hannah; McNeill, Ann; Duaso, Maria J. (2025). Understanding Tobacco and Cannabis Co-Use, Cessation Strategies and Intervention Opportunities with Young Adults in UK Further Education Colleges: A Mixed Methods Study.. Substance use & misuse, 60(14), 2125-2135. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2025.2533985