The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71670

Stephen J. Sifaneck, PhD¹, Andrew Golub, PhD², Bruce D. Johnson, PhD², and Eloise Dunlap, PhD². (1) Institute for Special Populations Research, National Development and Research Institutes, 71 West 23rd Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10010, (2) Institute for Special Populations Research, National Development and Research Institutes (NDRI), 58 Stratford Lane, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706

The consumption of blunts (marijuana wrapped in a cigar shell) has become the preferred way to smoke marijuana for many youth and young adults in New York City and other parts of the United States. This practice raises public health questions regarding short-term risks and long-term degradation. Survey data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Monitoring the Future, and Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring, examine the epidemiology of marijuana, tobacco products, and blunts within the general population and among high-risk disadvantaged sub-populations. Based on field research this paper explores young persons' blunt use practices in detail (frequency, technique, ritual) as well as their perceptions, consequences of use, and the extent to which they exhibit signs of physical dependence. Analysis will focus on youths who report that their blunt use preceeded their regular use of cigarettes and/or cigars, or who otherwise avoid such tobacco products.

Learning Objectives:

1.Summarize the blunt use phenomenon.
• Understand the public health implications of blunt use
• Discuss the variations in the initiation of marijuana and tobacco use by youth and young adults.

Keywords: Tobacco,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.