Why it matters: A new study from the University of Oklahoma has found that young people typically try alcohol and/or tobacco before cannabis, with alcohol being overwhelmingly tried first.
What they are saying: The study analyses data from over 8,000 young adults aged 18-24 for six years to track substance use patterns and was published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Those who initiated cannabis use before alcohol and tobacco were found to be less likely to have a wide constellation of substance use and mental health vulnerabilities compared to those who tried cannabis at the same age as they tried at least one other substance.
The big picture: The results of this study and past studies debunk the myth that legalisation of cannabis increases access to minors and young adults, as alcohol remains the most popular substance initiation.
What to watch: Future studies should continue to provide evidence-based research on substance use initiation rates among young adults.
Takeaway: The study shows that alcohol is overwhelmingly tried before either tobacco or cannabis. Cannabis initiation at an earlier age than alcohol and tobacco is uncommon, and those who have initiated cannabis before alcohol and tobacco are less likely to have a wide constellation of substance use and mental health vulnerabilities compared to those who tried cannabis at the same age as they tried at least one other substance.
