Spotlight on Vaping and Cannabis

Did you know? Answer these questions about vaping.

Let’s test your knowledge:

1. True or False: It is just water vapor in vapes.

2. True or False: The liquid in vapes does not contain any harmful chemicals.

3. True or False: Vaping helps people quit smoking tobacco.

To take our full Cannabis Vape Quiz, click here. 

What is vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, often referred to as vapor, which is produced by an e-cigarette or vape pen. Instead of burning tobacco or cannabis, vapes or e-cigarettes heat liquid nicotine or cannabis oils to make “vapor.” The vapor that vapes or e-cigarettes make is actually an aerosol, or a fine mist of tiny particles. The aerosol can contain nicotine, cannabis, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals. Aerosol, like hairspray, leaves a residue on surfaces including people’s lungs. Some of the chemicals found in vape aerosols include those used for:

• antifreeze (propylene glycol)

• nail polish remover (acetone)

• paints, pesticides (ethylbenzene)

• embalming (formaldehyde)

• fireworks (rubidium)

Source:  med.stanford.edu/tobaccopreventiontoolkit/E-Cigs/ECigUnit2.html

Many people think that vaping helps people quit smoking; however, many smokers who have tried vaping to help them quit have found they just end up using both. In fact, there’s evidence that young people who vape are more likely to go on to use illicit drugs and tobacco products such as cigarettes. In a recent study, vape juices advertised as having zero nicotine were tested, and over 90% of them contained up to 24% nicotine.

Vaping and Cannabis

THC is the main mood-altering ingredient in cannabis. The extracts or concentrates used in vaping cannabis are extremely potent – between 50% and 90% THC.

Cannabis use can have long-lasting or permanent effects on the developing adolescent brain. It contributes to decreased problem-solving skills, reduced attention span, and poor memory. This can lead to a decline in school performance.

Vaping in our Schools

• 7th graders: 7% say they have vaped

• ‍9th graders: 1 in 5

• 11th graders: Nearly 1 in 3

• Close to 1 in 5 students who have never vaped were offered vapes in the last 30 days. 

Sources: Ventura County California Healthy Kids Survey, 2019-20; CA Student Tobacco Survey (2019-20)

How to Help

Parents and caregivers, talk to your child. Find the right moment, be informed and answer their questions. Be patient and listen. Remember, research shows that parents are the #1 reason children decide not to do drugs.

For more information about teen cannabis use and vaping, visit Cannabis Factcheck.

(all answers are false)