Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University.
Since the early 2000s, e-cigarettes have gained popularity among adolescents, raising concerns about the health risks of vaping. Professionals like LaDarius Gammage and Dr. Shamarial Roberson are working to raise awareness about the dangers, particularly the potential for nicotine addiction and the progression to vaping marijuana.
Mr. Gammage is the former program manager for Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), a Florida Department of Health (DOH) initiative. He says teens are often drawn to vaping by the “nick buzz” from nicotine, which can mimic the sensation of being high. Some teens, he says, eventually move on to vaping marijuana for a stronger thrill.
Dr. Roberson, who served as Florida’s deputy secretary for health, is concerned about the harmful effects of vaping on teen health.
“The Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey found that 5.5% of middle and high school students vape marijuana, which is alarming,” she said. “Of those, 64% also vape nicotine, both highly addictive substances.”
Both experts are also concerned about the dangers of vaping illegally obtained marijuana, which may be laced with harmful chemicals. Dr. Roberson also warns about vaping-related lung injuries (VAPI), which can cause severe illness or even death. Symptoms include cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Parents are urged to watch for signs that their children may be vaping, such as discarded USB drives that might actually be e-cigarette cartridges. Hoodies and water bottles can also conceal vaping devices.
