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. 2022 Aug 20;19(16):10392.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph191610392.

A Comparison of Vaping Behavior, Perceptions, and Dependence among Individuals Who Vape Nicotine, Cannabis, or Both

Savreen K Saran  1 , Kalin Z Salinas  1 , Jonathan Foulds  1   2 , Övgϋ Kaynak  3 , Brianna Hoglen  1 , Kenneth R Houser  1 , Nicolle M Krebs  2 , Jessica M Yingst  2 , Sophia I Allen  2 , Candace R Bordner  2 , Andrea L Hobkirk  1   2
Affiliations

A Comparison of Vaping Behavior, Perceptions, and Dependence among Individuals Who Vape Nicotine, Cannabis, or Both

Savreen K Saran et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Electronic delivery systems (e.g., vapes, e-cigarettes) are now popular modes of cannabis and nicotine administration that are often used by the same individuals; however, we still know little about dual nicotine and cannabis vaping. Materials & Methods: An online convenience sample of adult nicotine and/or cannabis vape users residing in the United States completed a 60 min survey on sociodemographic characteristics, cannabis and/or nicotine vape use behaviors and dependence, reasons for vape use, and perceptions of benefits and harms. After data cleaning, we compared dual vs. nicotine-only and cannabis-only vape users with univariate statistics and step-wise hierarchical linear regression analyses. Additionally, we assessed the factor structure, internal consistency, and criterion and convergent validity of the Penn State Cannabis Vaping Dependence Index (PSCVDI). Results: The final sample included 357 dual, 40 cannabis, and 106 nicotine vape users. Compared to nicotine- and cannabis-only vapers, dual vapers started using their nicotine and cannabis vapes at a younger age (p < 0.001), used them for more years (p < 0.001), and were less likely to use their nicotine vape to replace combustible cigarettes (p = 0.047). Dual users vs. single-substance users did not have significantly higher nicotine or cannabis vape dependence scores after controlling for sociodemographic and use behaviors. The PSCVDI showed adequate validity for measuring cannabis vape dependence. Conclusions: This survey is the first to highlight important differences in vape use behaviors and reasons for use between dual vs. cannabis- and nicotine-only vape users.

Keywords: cannabis; dependence; electronic cigarette; marijuana; nicotine; tobacco; vaping.

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Conflict of interest statement

J.F. has received grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH); has previously received a grant, personal fees, and nonfinancial support (e.g., study drug) from Pfizer Inc, which are unrelated to this article; has done paid consulting in the past for pharmaceutical companies involved in manufacturing smoking-cessation medications (e.g., Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson); and has acted as a deposed and compensated expert witness on behalf of plaintiffs suing cigarette manufacturers. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

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