Latent Classes of Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use and Associations with Consequences using Daily Data

Objective: Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use (i.e., marijuana, [SAM], using alcohol and cannabis so effects overlap) is associated with increased consumption and consequences compared to single-substance use. SAM use prevalence is increasing, yet there is heterogeneity in use patterns among those engaging in SAM use, which may lead to differential consequences.

Method: This study drew on daily data to characterize latent profiles of cannabis, alcohol, and SAM use patterns and to test class differences on related consequences after 3 months among college students engaging in SAM use (77.08% White, 51.67% female). Class indicators were 10 person-level substance use variables derived from repeated daily surveys.

Results: Results yielded a three-class solution: Heavy Alcohol, Cannabis, and SAM (Heavy Use, n = 105); Heavy Alcohol-Light Cannabis (n = 75); and Light Alcohol-Heavy Cannabis (n = 60). There were significant person-level differences between classes on all substance use indicators (e.g., quantity and frequency of alcohol, cannabis, and SAM) but not sex or race/ethnicity. At 3-month follow-up, the Heavy Use class endorsed more SAM consequences than the other classes. The Heavy Use class did not differ on alcohol or cannabis consequences compared to the Heavy Alcohol-Light Cannabis or Light Alcohol-Heavy Cannabis classes, respectively. The Light Alcohol-Heavy Cannabis class endorsed the fewest alcohol consequences. The Heavy Alcohol-Light Cannabis class endorsed the fewest cannabis consequences.

Conclusions: Findings highlight distinct patterns of co-use and their association with consequences at follow-up. Heavy alcohol or cannabis use was associated with consequences for that substance, but heavy use of only one substance was not indicative of SAM-specific consequences.