The Impact of Cannabis and Tobacco/Nicotine Product Co-use in Young Adults: Prospective Cessation Evaluation and Substitution
Medical University of South Carolina
Summary
The goal of this project is to better understand the relationship between tobacco/nicotine and cannabis using behavioral economics during a tobacco/nicotine quit attempt. All participants will receive tobacco/nicotine cessation treatment (smoking and/or vaping treatment) for 12 weeks. To qualify, participants must be between the ages of 18-25 and use tobacco products (smoke cigarettes and/or vape nicotine) and use cannabis (in any form). Participants do not need to be interested in quitting cannabis/marijuana to qualify. This study is being conducted by the Medical University of South Carolina. All procedures are conducted remotely and there is no in-person visits are needed.
Description
The co-use of nicotine/tobacco products and cannabis among young adults is prevalent and varies widely in terms of patterns and products of use. Nicotine-cannabis co-use among this age group may adversely affect treatment and other clinical outcomes, yet little is known regarding the underlying relationship between nicotine and cannabis and the resulting treatment implications, particularly during an attempt to quit or reduce use of one or both substances. Prior literature on the treatment implications of co-use, including results from our group, suggest that cannabis serves as an obstacle to…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 18 and 25 years old * Must use at least one nicotine or tobacco product (nicotine vaping and/or cigarettes) on at least 20 out of the past 30 days for at least the past 3 months * Must express interest in nicotine cessation (all products) * Must submit a positive instant-read, oral fluid cotinine sample prior to enrollment * Must report use of cannabis on at least 10 out of the past 30 days * Must submit a positive instant-read cannabinoid test prior to enrollment * Must be able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Any significant or ac…
Interventions
- BehavioralCounseling
Research staff will provide skills-based counseling at remote weekly visits, starting at Day 0. Counseling sessions will be brief (\~5-10 minutes) and will focus on strategies for preparing for the quit attempt, dealing with triggers, refusal skills, and enhancing motivation.
- BehavioralContingency management
Contingency management (CM): CM will be provided to all study participants to promote abstinence from all nicotine products. Incentives for abstinence (based on submission of a negative cotinine sample) will be provided on an escalating schedule during treatment (Days 8-84).
- BehavioralText-based support
All participants will be provided with evidence-based nicotine cessation resources. For those who are vaping nicotine, participants will be provided information for This is Quitting (SMS text-based program). For those who are primarily smoking cigarettes, NCI's QuitSTART (mobile app, web content), as well SmokefreeTXT (SMS-text based program), will be recommended, potentially in addition to This is Quitting for those using multiple products. These resources provide real time monitoring of nicotine use, mood, triggers and lapses.
Location
- Medical University of South Carolina - CharlestonCharleston, South Carolina