Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice
Published on: August 1, 2025
CIGARETTE TAXES AND TEEN MARIJUANA USE
D Mark Anderson1, Kyutaro Matsuzawa2, Joseph J Sabia3
1Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA, Institute of Labor Economics, Bonn, Germany, and National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Abstract:
The spillover effect of cigarette taxes on youth marijuana use has been the subject of intense public debate. Opponents of cigarette taxes warn that tax hikes will cause youths to substitute toward marijuana. On the other hand, public health experts often claim that because tobacco is a "gateway" drug, higher cigarette taxes will deter youth marijuana use. Using data from the National and State Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS) for the period 1991-2017, we explore the relationship between state excise taxes on cigarettes and teen marijuana use. In general, our results fail to support either of the above hypotheses. Rather, we find little evidence to suggest that teen marijuana use is sensitive to changes in the state cigarette tax. This null result holds for the sample period where cigarette taxes are observed to have the largest effect on teen cigarette use and across a number of demographic groups in the data. Finally, we find preliminary evidence that the recent adoption of state e-cigarette taxes is associated with a reduction in youth marijuana use.
Related Concept Videos
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Statistical Methods for Analyzing Epidemiological Data
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Cause and Effect
Hallucinogens and Psychedelics
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains...
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

