Diverse Cannabis Consumption Linked to Higher Addiction Risk

Researchers analyzed data from 17,732 adults who reported cannabis use in the 2022–2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Published in the journal Addictive Behaviors, the findings categorize users into four distinct groups. While 48 percent of participants primarily smoke cannabis, the "polymodal" group—those who combine smoking, vaping, dabbing, and edibles—showed the highest clinical risk. Approximately 67 percent of these multi-method users met the criteria for cannabis use disorder, compared to just 15 percent of those who stick primarily to edibles.

The study also highlights shifting demographic trends. Young adults aged 18 to 25 are disproportionately represented in the polymodal and smoking-and-vaping groups. Furthermore, a strong correlation exists between smoking cannabis and smoking cigarettes, a combination that experts warn significantly compounds respiratory health risks. Lead author Omar El-Shahawy notes that clinical screenings should evolve to account for these specific habits rather than focusing solely on frequency of use. While the research does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it suggests that clinicians should treat the use of multiple consumption methods as a potential red flag for severe addiction symptoms.