Smokers who also use cannabis are significantly more responsive to cigarette price increases than non-cannabis-using smokers, suggesting tobacco taxes are especially effective for co-users.
Tobacco control researchers, policymakers setting cigarette tax rates, public health professionals, and anyone interested in the interaction between cannabis and tobacco markets.
What the researchers found
Cannabis-using smokers had total cigarette demand elasticity of -0.47 vs. -0.36 for non-users, meaning they were more likely to reduce or quit smoking when cigarette prices increased.
Why it matters
As cannabis use rises and cigarette smoking declines, understanding how these markets interact helps design more effective tobacco control policy. If co-users are more price-sensitive, tobacco taxes provide extra benefit for this growing subgroup.
The numbers in context
2004-2019 data, ~50,000 adults/year. Smoking declined 24.5% to 16.6%. Cannabis use rose 5.8% to 11.6%. Co-use rose 3.6% to 4.5%. Total demand elasticity: -0.47 (cannabis users) vs. -0.36 (non-users).
How the study worked
Two-part econometric model analyzing cross-sectional NSDUH data from 2004-2019 (annual mean ~50,000 adults), comparing cigarette price elasticity between current cannabis users and non-users.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional data cannot establish causation. Self-reported substance use may be inaccurate. Price measures may not capture local variation. Cannot determine if cannabis is a substitute for cigarettes.
How to read the evidence
Large national dataset spanning 15 years with robust econometric methods — strong evidence for the price sensitivity difference.
When this study was published
Analysis covering 2004-2019, capturing the period of rising cannabis normalization alongside declining smoking rates.
The bigger picture
Co-use of cannabis and tobacco is growing as cannabis normalizes. The finding that co-users are more price-sensitive to cigarettes suggests that cannabis availability may actually help people quit smoking when combined with higher tobacco prices.
Questions still open
- Does cannabis use directly make people more willing to quit smoking, or do co-users have different economic profiles? Could cannabis be positioned as a harm reduction tool for smoking cessation?
Common questions
Are people who use cannabis more likely to quit smoking?
Is cannabis replacing cigarettes?
Read the original research
Differential Responsiveness to Cigarette Prices by U.S. Adults Who Do and Do Not Use Cannabis.
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco
Citation
Yao, Tingting; Sung, Hai-Yen; Chu, Lela; Spetz, Joanne; Max, Wendy. (2025). Differential Responsiveness to Cigarette Prices by U.S. Adults Who Do and Do Not Use Cannabis.. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntaf205