Nicotine and cannabis vaping among U.S. emerging young adults: Findings from 2022 and 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

OBJECTIVES

With recent rise in nicotine and cannabis vaping and growing evidence of their negative health effects, especially when co-vaped, understanding vaping patterns is important. This study examined national prevalence and factors associated with nicotine and cannabis vaping among U.S. emerging young adults.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the 2022 and 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were used to assess past-month rates of exclusive nicotine vaping, exclusive cannabis vaping, and co-vaping (versus no vaping) and examine its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, other substance use (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, binge drinking), substance use disorders (nicotine dependence, alcohol use disorder), and cannabis legalization.

RESULTS

Among emerging adults, 16.0% reported exclusive nicotine vaping, 4.3% exclusive cannabis vaping, and 8.1% co-vaping in the past month. Non-Hispanic White individuals, those with lower education, and those identified as sexual minorities reported higher rates of vaping. Severe psychological distress, tobacco and alcohol co-use, and alcohol use disorder increased odds of all vaping behaviors. Medical cannabis legalization significantly increased odds of exclusive cannabis vaping and co-vaping, but not exclusive nicotine vaping.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaping patterns vary by certain sociodemographic characteristics and cannabis policy. Mental health challenges and substances co-use consistently elevated risks of all forms of vaping among this vulnerable population.