
Novel analysis has revealed that adolescent vaping of present delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and artificial cannabinoids (SCs) has elevated between 2021 and 2023. Additionally, adolescents are more and more uncertain in regards to the substances they vaped of their e-cigarettes.
A brand new examine showing within the American Journal of Preventive Medication sheds mild on this alarming development and contributes to informing evidence-based public well being insurance policies and harm-reduction methods geared toward defending youth from the long-term penalties of vaping.
Vaping of gear apart from nicotine has grow to be more and more in style amongst adolescents in the USA. The present examine analyzed nationwide tendencies of adolescent hashish vaping from the Nationwide Youth Tobacco Survey for 2021, 2022, and 2023, comprising a complete of 69,899 US center and highschool college students (aged 11 to 18 years).
Lead investigator Jack Chung, BApsych (Hons), Nationwide Heart for Youth Substance Use Analysis, and College of Psychology, College of Well being and Behavioral Sciences, The College of Queensland, says, “We discovered a major enhance in adolescent vaping of THC, CBD, and SCs from 2021 to 2023. THC vaping peaked in 2022 whereas the usage of SCs continued to extend.
“Adolescents more and more expressed uncertainty in regards to the substances they had been vaping; for instance, unsure respondents answering ‘do not know’ if they’ve vaped SCs tripled throughout the years. Our outcomes additionally confirmed that females had the next prevalence of THC, CBD, and SCs vaping in comparison with males.”
In 2023, it’s estimated that 7.4% (or 2.55 million) of US adolescents had been presently vaping THC, whereas 2.9% (or 999,000) had been vaping CBD, and 1.8% (or 620,000) had been vaping SCs. People who vape hashish exhibit extra psychological well being signs in comparison with those that use conventional combustion strategies of dry herbs and flowers.
SCs are usually lab-synthesized to imitate the consequences of naturally occurring cannabinoids and infrequently bind extra strongly to mind receptors, resulting in extra intense and unpredictable well being penalties.
Mr. Chung remarks, “One of the vital sudden findings from our examine was the continued rise in adolescent use of SCs. This development is especially alarming provided that these substances are sometimes accessed via unregulated, illicit markets, the place there are not any security requirements or quality control.
“The rising reputation of SCs amongst youth raises critical issues about potential well being dangers and highlights the pressing want for focused public well being interventions and regulatory oversight. These artificial cannabinoids merchandise may doubtlessly be lethal, with many adolescents unknowingly vaping these dangerous and artificial substances.”
Co-investigator Gary C.Okay. Chan, Ph.D., Nationwide Heart for Youth Substance Use Analysis, College of Well being and Behavioral Sciences, The College of Queensland, provides, “We nonetheless know little or no in regards to the long-term well being results of hashish vaping, which makes it much more necessary to know what’s in your vape.”
This examine is among the first to trace the nationwide adolescent vaping prevalence of THC, CBD, and SCs independently, given that almost all latest research categorized varied cannabinoids vaping underneath the umbrella time period “hashish vaping,” regardless of their vastly completely different psychological and well being results.
Mr. Chung concludes, “Experimentation with substance use amongst youngsters is commonly pushed by peer affect, curiosity, and a need for social acceptance. This age group may additionally be more and more uncovered to cannabis-related advertising and marketing on social media platforms comparable to TikTok and YouTube, in addition to social media influencers and celebrities.
“I hope this examine will increase consciousness of youth hashish vaping and divert public well being assets into higher psychoeducation on adolescent vaping, in addition to tailor-made harm-reduction interventions to guard our younger generations.”
Extra info:
Adolescent Hashish Vaping Traits (2021−2023): Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol, and Artificial Cannabinoids, American Journal of Preventive Medication (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2025.107655
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Research reveals alarming surge in adolescent vaping of THC, CBD and artificial cannabinoids (2025, July 1)
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