New vaping trends complicate drug prevention in schools
A growing trend among youth is raising serious concerns for educators, health professionals, and parents across the nation. Vaping devices are no longer easy to spot — they are now disguised as keychains, USB drives, and other everyday items, making cannabis use harder to detect and stop. According to Bobby Betros, CEO of SwabTek, this stealthy approach to drug use is being fueled by the accessibility of THC vape cartridges.
SwabTek has developed drug testing kits used by over 2,500 schools nationwide, helping to identify cannabis and other substances hidden in vape pens and seemingly innocent snacks. “Teens quickly discovered they could buy vape cartridges that contain drugs,” says Betros. He points out that these modern THC products can contain up to 90% potency, a dangerous jump from the marijuana of the 1970s. These ultra-potent devices are contributing to memory issues, learning disabilities, and attention problems in young users, compounding the difficulty in academic and social development.
Prevention over punishment: a public health call to action
The Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) at Florida A&M University is sounding the alarm through its Virtual Cannabis Forum, where Betros will address the dangers in his talk titled “Hidden in Plain Sight: What You Need to Know About New Vaping Trends.” The conversation is centered not on punishment, but on early intervention and education.
“The last thing people want to do is arrest students,” Betros explains. “The goal is to identify those who need help and guide them toward better choices before they spiral into more dangerous drugs like ecstasy or cocaine.” With illegally obtained edibles and THC vapes infiltrating schools from markets outside Florida, proactive cannabis solutions are more important than ever.
To learn more, visit MMERI’s Virtual Forum and stay informed on what’s truly hidden in plain sight.
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