Angie Craig: “It is not clear how much of the increase in smoking amongst black teen-agers is due to the use of cigarettes with…”

“It is not clear how much of the increase in smoking amongst black teen-agers is due to the use of cigarettes with marijuana, and experts say advertising has been the major factor. But the marijuana-tobacco combination is notable because it is the reverse of the more common progression from cigarette and alcohol use to illegal drugs. Many black teen-agers said in interviews that they were drawn to cigarettes by friends who told them that nicotine would enhance their high from marijuana, which has been lore and practice among drug users of all races for decades. And this is apparently no mere myth. Many scientists who study brain chemistry say the link between cigarettes and marijuana is unproven but likely true. One other paragraph: The students were perfectly aware of the health hazards of cigarette smoking. A 17-year-old at Norman Thomas High School in Manhattan said she was quitting because she might be pregnant. But that is the only reason she was quitting. A 15-year-old at Saunders [High School] said she did not smoke during basketball and softball season but resumed in between. The article also talks about the effects of the kind of antitobacco measures that are being discussed on the floor including pushing the price of cigarettes to $3.50 to $4 to $5 a pack. Adolescents overwhelmingly said they would pay $3.60 a pack. The current charge in New York is $2.50.”