Jump to content
  • Sign Up

Daily cannabis users more likely to be dependent on nicotine


OZ Stoners

Recommended Posts

Daily cannabis users are significantly more likely to be dependent on nicotine than non-users, according to a joint study by the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) and the NSW North Coast Area Health Service.

Unlike cannabis users in other countries, Australian cannabis smokers regularly mix their cannabis with tobacco, often called ‘mull’, leading to exposure, and potentially dependency, on nicotine as well as cannabis.

The researchers decided to investigate the possible role cannabis use may play in higher tobacco smoking rates in men aged 25-34 in Northern NSW than in other parts of the state. Analysing data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey and the NSW Health Survey the research team was able to identify some interesting results.

“We found significant associations between daily cannabis use and nicotine dependence,” said Dr Avigdor Zask of NSW Health. “That is, the greater amount of cannabis smoked the higher nicotine dependency rates, but also the greater the use led to reduced success in attempts to quit or reduce tobacco use.”

Although Australia has one of the lowest rates of tobacco smoking in the world today, cannabis continues to be the most widely used illicit drug in this country with just over one third (34%) of the population ever having tried the drug. This study provides more information on the complex relationship between the two drugs and on potential treatment options.

“These findings have major implications for mainstream tobacco cessation services,” continued Dr Zask. “They demonstrate clearly that to ensure the best outcomes possible for tobacco smokers they should assess and address the practice of mulling tobacco with cannabis when providing cessation services to clients.”

The study’s findings will be presented today at the 2nd National Cannabis Conference in Brisbane. The conference is run by the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC), which is based at the University of New South Wales.

NCPIC is an Australian Government initiative supported by the Department of Health and Ageing.

Cannabis Information and Helpline – 1800 30 40 50
NCPIC website – www.ncpic.org.au
ends

Contact Details:
Morag Millington, tel. (02) 9385 0213, 0431 981 046, email: m.millington@unsw.edu.au
Paul Dillon, tel. (02) 9385 0226, 0419 402 099 email p.dillon@unsw.edu.au
Date Issued: 20th September 2012



View the full article
Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using the community in any way you agree to our Terms of Use and We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.