Cannabis Use Matches Prescription Aids for Quitting
A new study reveals that nine percent of tobacco users turn to cannabis as a tool to help them quit smoking cigarettes.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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New research indicates that U.S. adults are using cannabis to quit smoking at rates nearly identical to those using prescription medications. The study found that nine percent of survey respondents utilize cannabis for cessation, compared to 9.4 percent who rely on prescription drugs.
Why it matters
The findings highlight a shift in cessation strategies, with cannabis use now exceeding the utilization of formal behavioral health interventions. However, the data suggests that cannabis users attempting to quit may face more intense nicotine withdrawal symptoms and difficulty concentrating.
A survey of 2,804 U.S. adults found that 9 percent use cannabis to quit cigarettes, nearly matching the 9.4 percent who use prescription medications. This usage rate currently surpasses the number of individuals relying on behavioral health interventions.
The players
San Francisco VA Health Care System
This facility is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs and serves as a major hub for medical research and clinical care.
University of California
This is a public research university system that operates multiple campuses and medical centers across the state.
New York University
This is a private research university located in New York City that maintains extensive health and medical research programs.
The details
Researchers from the San Francisco VA Health Care System, University of California, and New York University analyzed data from tobacco and nicotine users. The study identified that while people are turning to THC products, they often report heightened nicotine withdrawal symptoms and challenges with concentration compared to non-users.
Timeline
The study results were published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine in 2026.
The Big Picture
The adoption of cannabis for cessation challenges the historical reliance on FDA-approved smoking cessation therapies. This trend suggests a move away from standard medical guidance in favor of alternative substances for nicotine recovery.
Tobacco users should be aware that while cannabis is increasingly used as a cessation tool, it may complicate the quitting process by increasing withdrawal symptoms. Consulting a healthcare provider remains the safest approach for navigating nicotine addiction and treatment options.
The takeaway
Using cannabis for smoking cessation is becoming a common, though potentially complicated, strategy for nicotine users. Those attempting to quit should consider that replacing one substance with another may not alleviate withdrawal symptoms and could introduce new challenges to focus and health.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment trends, visit the United States Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Marijuana Moment.
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