To examine the association between co-use of commercial tobacco product (hereafter referred to as tobacco) and cannabis with educational outcomes among high school students.
Results: Current co-use of tobacco and cannabis was more than double the use of only tobacco (3.7% vs 1.7%) and similar to only cannabis (3.7%). Almost 18% of students reported absenteeism. Compared with students who used neither substance, students with current co-use had greater odds of absenteeism (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.33-1.49) and lower grades (β = −0.87, 95% CI −0.92 to −0.82). Compared with students using tobacco alone, students with co-use also had a significant elevated odds of absenteeism (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.10-1.29) and lower grades (β = −0.39, 95% CI −0.46 to −0.32). Similar results were found for students who ever used tobacco and cannabis.
Conclusions: California youth who co-use tobacco and cannabis were most likely to have absenteeism and lower grades. Comprehensive efforts to prevent or reduce youth substance use may improve educational outcomes.
(Source: Journal of Paediatrics, February 2024)