What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in Substance use & misuse on September 9, 2026.

Co-use linked to problematic use and impaired-driving reports

Q: What did this research study find?

Among US young adults, *alcohol–cannabis co-use* was associated with **greater problematic alcohol use** and a higher likelihood of alcohol-related *DUI* than alcohol-only use.

Alcohol and Cannabis Use and Co-Use in Relation to Problematic Use and Driving Under the Influence Among US Young Adults.

Substance use & misuse • September 9, 2026 • Highly Relevant

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AI Summary

This observational study examined whether alcohol use, cannabis use, and their co-use were associated with problematic substance use and driving under the influence (DUI) among 2,953 US young adults ages 18–34. Using 2023 data from people reporting past-month alcohol-only use (33.4%), cannabis-only use (17.9%), or alcohol–cannabis co-use (48.8%), the researchers compared substance-use patterns while accounting for sociodemographic factors and state legalization status.

Alcohol–cannabis co-use was associated with greater problematic alcohol use and alcohol-related DUI. Co-use was also associated with problematic cannabis use, while more frequent cannabis use was associated with cannabis-related DUI. More frequent simultaneous use—using alcohol and cannabis at the same time—was associated with problematic alcohol and cannabis use and with DUI involving alcohol, cannabis, or both. The authors conclude that prevention efforts should address both substances, particularly co-use. This is an abstract-based summary: because the analysis reports associations from self-reported observational data, it cannot establish that co-use caused problematic use or DUI, nor can it determine the clinical importance or direction of these relationships.

💡 Key Findings

Among US young adults, alcohol–cannabis co-use was associated with greater problematic alcohol use and a higher likelihood of alcohol-related DUI than alcohol-only use.

High

80%

Co-use was associated with problematic cannabis use, while more frequent cannabis use was associated with a higher likelihood of cannabis-related DUI.

High

80%

More frequent simultaneous use was associated with problematic alcohol and cannabis use and with DUI involving alcohol, cannabis, or both.

High

80%

The authors conclude that interventions should address both substances, particularly their co-use, because of the related risks reported in this analysis.

Good

75%

📄 Original Abstract

BACKGROUND: Young adult (YA) alcohol and cannabis co-use may amplify use-related risks. We examined YA co-use in relation to problematic use and driving-under-the-influence (DUI). METHODS: We analyzed 2023 data among 2,953 US YAs (18-34) reporting past-month alcohol-only use (33.4%), cannabis-only (17.9%), or alcohol-cannabis co-use (48.8%). We assessed self-reported: 1) alcohol-only use vs. alcohol-cannabis co-use, alcohol use frequency, and simultaneous use frequency in relation to problematic alcohol use and DUI of alcohol (DUIA); 2) cannabis-only use vs. co-use, cannabis use frequency, and simultaneous use in relation to problematic cannabis use and DUI of cannabis (DUIC); and 3) alcohol, cannabis, and simultaneous use in relation to DUI of alcohol and cannabis (DUIAC), controlling for sociodemographics and state legalization. RESULTS: Co-use and more alcohol use were associated with greater problematic alcohol use (B = 0.38, SE = 0.04; B = 0.02, SE = 0.01) and DUIA (aOR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.07-1.72; aOR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.05-1.08). Co-use and less cannabis use were associated with problematic cannabis use (B = 0.12, SE = 0.04; B=-0.01, SE = 0.003), and more cannabis use was associated with DUIC (aOR = 1.04, 95%CI = 1.03-1.05). Simultaneous use was associated with problematic alcohol (B = 0.02, SE = 0.01) and cannabis use (B = 0.03, SE = 0.01), DUIA (aOR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.06-1.11), DUIC (aOR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.02-1.07), and DUIAC (aOR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.05-1.14). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions should consider addressing both substances, particularly co-use, given related risks.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Substance use & misuse
Published: September 9, 2026
PMID: 42715605
DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2026.2729576

Authors (3)

Diane Ndisebuye Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Cassidy R LoParco Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Carla J Berg Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.