Shock New Find on Older Aussie Smokers Reveals Surprising Trend
New research shows older Australian smokers are turning to cannabis as tobacco prices soar
Australia, Cannabis, Tobacco, Smoking, Research, Curtin University
Perth: So, there’s this new study that’s got everyone talking. It turns out that older Aussies who smoke are starting to use cannabis more as the price of cigarettes keeps climbing.
Can you believe it? The cost of a pack of smokes has shot up to around $70! Back in the ’90s, it was just a few bucks. The government keeps raising taxes on tobacco to get people to quit, but it seems like it’s having a different effect on the older crowd.
Researchers from Curtin University looked at data from about 100,000 Australians over nearly two decades. They found that while older smokers are reaching for cannabis when cigarette prices go up, younger folks under 40 are actually using less cannabis.
It’s wild! They estimate that around 68,000 Australians over 50 might start using cannabis if tobacco prices rise by just 10%. That’s either by smoking more cannabis or trying it for the first time instead of tobacco.
Professor Mark Harris, one of the study authors, said it was surprising because usually, people smoke both together. You’d think if tobacco gets pricier, cannabis use would drop too. But nope, it seems like older smokers are switching things up.
Dr. Ranjodh Singh, another co-author, mentioned that understanding how different age groups react to price changes can help shape better health policies. It’s all about knowing that not everyone responds the same way to these price hikes.
So, it looks like the government’s plan to get people to quit smoking might need a rethink, especially for older Australians. Who knew cannabis would be the go-to substitute?