The Authors’ Own Words: Racial Differences and the Role of Neighborhood in the Sequencing of Marijuana and Tobacco Initiation Among Urban Youth

The Authors’ Own Words: We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Racial Differences and the Role of Neighborhood in the Sequencing of Marijuana and Tobacco Initiation Among Urban Youth

Kerry M. Green, PhD; Renee M. Johnson, PhD; Adam J. Milam, PhD; Debra Furr-Holden, PhD; Nicholas S. Ialongo, PhD; & Beth A. Reboussin, PhD

Substance Abuse Vol. 37, Iss. 4, 2016

“This study highlights an important potential pathway to tobacco use among urban youth, which begins with marijuana use. Among this urban sample, Black youth and youth with greater exposure to violent victimization were at increased risk of initiating marijuana use before initiating tobacco use. Prevention and intervention work should recognize the risk of transitioning to tobacco use among marijuana users with particular risk profiles.”