How cannabis laws affect nicotine and tobacco use in young people and adults

Cannabis Legalization's Effects on Youth and Adult Nicotine and Tobacco Use

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11141006

This project explores how changes in cannabis laws might influence how young people and adults use nicotine and tobacco products.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141006 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We are looking into whether recreational cannabis legalization changes how people use various tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes. Our approach involves creating a detailed database of state and local cannabis policies, such as tax rates and delivery restrictions. We will then compare this policy information with existing national data on tobacco use among youth and adults. This comparison will help us understand the real-world effects of different cannabis laws on public health. The goal is to provide clear insights that can help lawmakers create more effective policies to protect community health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This project primarily uses existing data, so direct patient participation is not involved, but findings will relate to youth and adult populations who use cannabis, nicotine, or tobacco.

Not a fit: Individuals not interested in public health policy or population-level trends in substance use may not find direct personal benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help policymakers create cannabis laws that better protect public health by anticipating effects on tobacco use.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on this topic have yielded mixed findings, indicating a need for more comprehensive analysis.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.