Reverse gateways? Frequent cannabis use as a predictor of tobacco initiation and nicotine dependence

Abstract

Aims: To examine the risk posed by cannabis use in young people for tobacco use disorders. Specifically we examined whether cannabis use in non-smokers predicted later initiation of tobacco use and whether cannabis use predicted later nicotine dependence in tobacco users. Design: A 10-year eight-wave cohort study. Setting: State of Victoria, Australia. Participants: A community sample of 1943 participants initially aged 14-15 years. Measurements: Self-report of tobacco and cannabis use was assessed in the teens using a computerized interview assessment and in young adulthood with a CATI assessment. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence was used to define nicotine dependence. Findings: ..