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Alcohol is associated with cannabis vaping in young people
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
Alcohol use was the most common predictor of increased cannabis vaping among youth and young adults, regardless of demographic characteristics, according to a University of Texas at Houston (UTHealth Houston) study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine.
Main results of the study
What is cannabis vaping?
Cannabis vaping is the use of electronic cigarettes to deliver liquid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a concentrated form of cannabis that has been extracted and diluted into a liquid solution. According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, cannabis vaping is becoming increasingly popular among young people.
"Ten years ago, 10% of cannabis users were vaping. Today, that number has risen to 75% among youth and young adults. This raises serious public health concerns," says Dale Manthey, PhD, associate professor at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.
Impact on health
- Cognitive Development: Vaping cannabis may impact cognitive development and function, including learning, memory, and attention.
- Lung Damage: Using illegal liquid THC products can cause chronic lung damage.
- Addiction and Legal Consequences: The risk of drug addiction and legal problems increases because cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States.
Research methods
The study was conducted among middle and high school students in four major Texas cities: Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. From 2019 to 2021, students were asked questions about:
- "Have you ever used marijuana or liquid THC via e-cigarette?"
- "In the past 30 days, how many days have you used marijuana using an e-cigarette?"
Data were also collected on race, ethnicity, gender, nicotine use, alcohol use, and mental health measures (anxiety and depression).
Key data
- At the beginning of the study:
- 72.7% have never vaped cannabis.
- 12.7% have tried it.
- 14.5% were currently using.
- Risks of starting vaping:
- Non-Hispanic black students were at higher risk of experimenting with cannabis vaping compared to non-Hispanic white students.
- Alcohol was found to be the main trigger for cannabis vaping.
The influence of alcohol
Alcohol has been named a "gateway" to cannabis use.
"The goal is to delay the onset of substance use in young people. The later a person starts using, the lower the risk of addiction," Manty adds.
Researchers recommend more comprehensive prevention programs that integrate discussions of nicotine, alcohol and cannabis in schools.
Mental health
- Depression was associated with cannabis vaping initiation in Hispanic and non-Hispanic blacks.
- Further research is needed to examine the role of mental health in cannabis vaping across different demographic groups.
Conclusions
- Alcohol is a key factor: Prevention must take into account the role of alcohol in the development of addictions in young people.
- Mental Health: Depression and anxiety are important targets for cannabis vaping prevention.
- Comprehensive interventions: Interventions should cover a wide range of substances rather than focusing on just one, such as nicotine.
These findings highlight the importance of developing more targeted public health programs to reduce cannabis use and associated risks among youth.