Post-High School Changes in Tobacco and Cannabis Use in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The transition from high school into young adulthood is a critical developmental period with many young people going to college, moving residence, and entering the work force for the first time. The NEXT Generation Health Study (NEXT) is a nationally representative longitudinal study of adolescent health behaviors. Previous NEXT research has found that the post-high school environment is associated with changes in alcohol use.

OBJECTIVES: The current study investigated the impact of school status, residential status, and work status on cannabis and cigarette use among post-high school participants.

RESULTS: Living in a dorm/fraternity/sorority was associated with an increased prevalence in cannabis use while attending a 4-year college was associated with a decreased prevalence in cigarette use.

CONCLUSIONS: Some aspects of the post-high school environment are related to cannabis and cigarette use. Differences in the social circumstances of cigarette and cannabis use and recent campaigns in colleges to reduce smoking may explain some of these trends.