Challenging the “Inoffensiveness” of Regular Cannabis Use by Its Associations with Other Current Risky Substance Use—A Census of 20-Year-Old Swiss Men

• Main Authors: Jacques Cornuz, Jean-Bernard Daeppen, Pierre-André Michaud, Carole Willi, Jacques Gaume, Gerhard Gmel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2010-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: risky cannabis use; co-occurring risky licit substance use; early onset; Switzerland
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/7/1/46/

3,537 men enrolling in 2007 for mandatory army recruitment procedures were assessed for the co-occurrence of risky licit substance use among risky cannabis users. Risky cannabis use was defined as at least twice weekly; risky alcohol use as 6+ drinks more than once/monthly, or more than 20 drinks per week; and risky tobacco use as daily smoking. Ninety-five percent of all risky cannabis users reported other risky use. They began using cannabis earlier than did non-risky users, but age of onset was unrelated to other risky substance use. A pressing public health issue among cannabis users stems from risky licit substance use warranting preventive efforts within this age group.