Experts warn of severe risks as teen vaping of marijuana surges, urging parents to remain vigilant
The rapid rise of vaping among teenagers has sparked widespread concern among health professionals, particularly as more teens turn to vaping marijuana. Since the introduction of e-cigarettes in the early 2000s, these devices have gained a foothold among adolescents, initially marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking. However, they have since evolved into a gateway for more dangerous habits, including marijuana use.
Health experts like LaDarius Gammage and Dr. Shamarial Roberson are leading efforts to educate the public about the escalating risks. Their focus? The alarming intersection of nicotine addiction and the transition to marijuana vaping could have long-term consequences for young people's physical and mental health.
The allure of the “nick buzz” and the shift to marijuana vaping
Teenagers are often drawn to vaping due to the "nick buzz," a term used to describe the lightheaded and euphoric sensation caused by nicotine. According to LaDarius Gammage, former program manager for Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), this sensation can mimic a feeling of being high, tempting some adolescents to experiment further.
Many teens start vaping with flavored nicotine products, often perceiving it as harmless. However, he noted that some progress to marijuana vaping in search of a stronger thrill, which poses significant dangers.
The addictive properties of nicotine are well-documented, and when combined with marijuana, the risks multiply. Experts warn that regular exposure to these substances during adolescence, a critical period for brain development, can have devastating consequences on cognitive function, memory, and emotional regulation.
Startling statistics highlight the growing problem
Dr. Shamarial Roberson, Florida’s former deputy secretary for health, highlights findings from the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, which paints a troubling picture.
She shared that about 5.5% of middle and high school students in Florida reported vaping marijuana. She added that 64% of these students also used nicotine, exposing themselves to the dangers of two highly addictive substances at the same time.
This dual usage creates a compounded risk, increasing the likelihood of addiction and other long-term health problems. With the accessibility of vaping devices and the normalization of marijuana use, teens are facing pressures and risks like never before.
Another grave concern is the use of illegally obtained marijuana for vaping. Such products are often laced with harmful chemicals or contaminants, dramatically increasing the risk of adverse health effects.
Dr. Roberson warns about the rise of Vaping Associated Pulmonary Injury (VAPI), a condition linked to severe lung damage, illness, and even death. Common symptoms include persistent coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
She emphasized the importance of parents remaining cautious about the products their teens might use, highlighting that illicit vaping cartridges pose significant health hazards and could cause irreversible damage.
Parents should watch for changes in their teen’s behavior, physical symptoms like coughing, or unexplained paraphernalia. Having open conversations about the risks and fostering a trusting relationship can also help teens resist peer pressure to vape.
Public awareness initiatives like the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) at Florida A&M University aim to address the crisis head-on. Programs like MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum provide parents, educators, and community leaders invaluable resources. The forum is accessible at bit.ly/MMERINovemberCoC2024.
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