A 'joint' problem: Investigating marijuana and tobacco co-use

(Science Daily, February 22) Many people who smoke cigarettes also smoke marijuana. Between 2003 and 2012, the rate of adults who smoked both substances increased.

Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) wanted to examine the possible connection more. They conducted a survey of people who used both marijuana and tobacco within a 30 day period. They found that most users smoked regular cigarettes after smoking marijuana. Users who smoked both substances were also more likely to smoke more cigarettes in a day.

"So, if somebody's trying to quit smoking cigarettes, but they always use marijuana and tobacco together, it's probably going to be much, much harder for them if they are still using marijuana than for somebody who uses both, but their use is not related in any way," said Erin A. McClure, Ph.D, who led a team of investigators for the study. Read more.