Vaping: What You Should Know

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vape pen and smoke

Do you know what vaping is? Have you or your friends ever tried it?

According to recent studies, the number of teens vaping (using of electronic cigarettes) has shot up dramatically since 2017. And it’s probably more dangerous than you think.

Here are a few quick questions and answers about vaping:

 

What exactly is vaping?

The use of electronic cigarettes to inhale vapors from nicotine, marijuana (THC oil) or general flavorings is referred to as vaping.

There are hundreds of different brands and a few different styles of e-cigarettes. But in general, they are all battery-operated devices that have a cartridge that holds a liquid solution.

When a person puffs, the e-cigarette vaporizes the liquid and the user inhales the vapor.

 

Is vaping marijuana oil more dangerous than smoking it?

Yes, more than likely. This is because users tend to vape a higher concentration of THC (the chemical behind marijuana’s high) than they would smoke. This could also make it more likely for someone to get addicted.

 

What are the health risks of vaping marijuana oil?

Studies have found that regular marijuana use during the teen years disrupts brain development and can also lead to problems with attention span, behavior and impulse control in adulthood.

 

The Effects of Vaping and COVID-19

Right now, because the illness is relatively new, there isn't enough data showing a direct link between vaping (the use of an e-cigarette to inhale vapors from nicotine, marijuana or flavorings) and COVID-19 .

But here's what we do know: 

  • Vaping (and smoking) can cause damage to a person's lungs. Those activities can also affect a person's immune system.
  • People with lung issues are more hurt by COVID-19 symptoms than healthy people.

 

"Why would you want to risk it when you already know vaping produces inflammatory changes in the lungs?" NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow told Kaiser Health News.

 

 

Take this quiz on vaping to test your knowledge.

 

Looking for More Information?

Blog: The Latest on Vaping-Related Illness and Deaths (NIDA Teens)

Tips for Teens: The Truth About E-Cigarettes (SAMHSA)

The link between marijuana and e-cigarettes (The Truth Initiative)