New Study Finds Link between Co-Use of Tobacco and Cannabis and Higher Rates of Anxiety and Depression
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, has found a correlation between the co-use of tobacco and cannabis and increased rates of anxiety and depression. The study analyzed data from the COVID-19 Citizens Health Study, which surveyed 53,843 US adults between 2020 and 2022.
Of those surveyed, 1.6% reported using both tobacco and cannabis. This group exhibited significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression, with 26.5% reporting anxiety and 28.3% reporting depression. In comparison, those who used neither tobacco nor cannabis reported anxiety and depression rates of 10.6% and 11.2%, respectively. The study found that co-users of both substances were approximately 1.8 times more likely to experience these mental health challenges than non-users.
While the study does not establish causation, the findings suggest a potential link between the intertwined use of tobacco and cannabis and mental health risks. As the use of both substances becomes more prevalent, it is crucial to examine their effects on mental well-being.
Tobacco and cannabis are among the most commonly used substances worldwide, and their co-use has been on the rise due to the expanding legalization of cannabis. Understanding the potential impact of co-use on mental health is important for developing effective public health strategies and support systems.
The researchers recommend integrating mental health support programs with tobacco and cannabis cessation programs to address this link between substance use and mental health. By providing comprehensive assistance, individuals who struggle with co-use may have a better chance of improving their mental well-being.
It is worth noting that the study was unable to determine causation, and further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between co-use of tobacco and cannabis and mental health. However, these findings contribute to the growing body of evidence highlighting the potential risks associated with combined substance use.
The study, titled “Associations between tobacco and cannabis use and anxiety and depression among adults in the United States: Findings from the COVID-19 citizen science study,” was published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing the mental health implications of co-use of tobacco and cannabis and calls for further investigation into this topic.
Funding for the study was provided by the California Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, and several other organizations dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting public health.
As the co-use of tobacco and cannabis becomes more prevalent, it is crucial to prioritize mental well-being and develop strategies to support individuals who may be at risk of experiencing anxiety and depression. By raising awareness about the potential risks associated with combined substance use, healthcare professionals and policymakers can work towards implementing effective prevention and intervention measures.