WASHINGTON -- A new study finds that teens who smoke are 14 times more likely to use marijuana than nonsmokers.

The survey, conducted by researchers at the American Legacy Foundation and the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, looked at nearly 2,000 teens ages 12 to 17.

They found that 84 percent of the kids who have tried pot have smoked cigarettes within the past 30 days. Also, the study finds those teens who smoke are 18 times more likely to say most of their friends smoke pot.

The researchers said a 50 percent reduction in teen smoking could cut marijuana use by 16 to 28 percent.

CASA President Joseph Califano called pot a significant presence in the lives of teenage smokers. He warned that if kids are smoking regularly, then parents should be concerned about marijuana use.

Dr. Cheryl Healton, president of the American Legacy Foundation, said the findings underscore the importance of intervening to end cigarette smoking in order to help prevent other drug use.

Additional Resources:

• Full Study
• National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
• American Legacy Foundation