CBD vapes gaining popularity with teens.

CBD vapes gaining popularity with teens.

The Risks of Vaping CBD Among Youth: A Serious Concern

Vaping CBD (cannabidiol) is gaining popularity among middle and high school students, as revealed by a national U.S. survey. While CBD is a non-psychoactive component of marijuana, health experts caution that there are serious risks associated with its use. The 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey found that more than 1 in 5 students who use electronic cigarettes have vaped CBD, with 6% unsure if they had consumed it. The survey also highlighted that Hispanic and LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to vape CBD. This concerning trend raises alarming safety concerns, including potential harm to the liver, lungs, and male reproductive system. The authors of the study, led by researcher Hongying Daisy Dai from the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, stressed the need for evidence-based educational campaigns, interventions, and policy changes to mitigate the harmful health outcomes associated with vaping CBD among young people.

Dr. Scott Krakower, a New York child-adolescent psychiatrist, expressed concern about CBD’s potential psychoactive properties and its potential effects on cardiac, pulmonary, and cognitive health. He also highlighted the lack of transparency regarding the chemicals present in vape products, as they are largely unregulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There have been cases where vape pens were suspected of being tainted with other substances, such as cocaine, creating significant health risks for unsuspecting users.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, involved a nationally representative sample of approximately 28,000 American students from the 2022 Youth Tobacco Survey. Out of the 2,448 reported active e-cigarette users, 21.3% stated they had vaped CBD, while 6.3% were uncertain if they had consumed it.

According to Dr. Diane Tanaka, medical director of the Teenage and Young Adult Health Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, young people often underestimate the risks associated with vaping CBD or cannabis. Many may not even realize that they are vaping CBD, mistakenly believing it is just flavored vapor. She emphasized the urgent need for more education to inform young people about the potential health risks of vaping, particularly related to cannabis and its derivatives like CBD.

The risks associated with vaping CBD among youth can stem from both the act of vaping itself and the marijuana compounds. Starting cannabis use at a young age can have significant impacts on brain development and mood, as well as negative effects on memory and neurotransmitter function. Dr. Tanaka explained that cannabis use at a younger age poses greater risks compared to starting later in life when the brain is fully matured at 25.

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Moreover, e-cigarettes, including CBD vapes, can contain a wide range of active substances like nicotine and THC, as well as secondary harmful compounds such as carcinogens and heavy metals. Dr. Krakower highlighted various negative effects associated with e-cigarette use, including severe irritability, aggression, hypertension, and possible contributions to psychosis or severe bouts of psychogenic dysphagia (a swallowing disorder). The addiction potential of e-cigarettes is also a concern, with some individuals requiring nicotine patches or gum to quit.

The alarming surge in CBD vaping among young people demands immediate attention. In 2022 alone, more than 2.5 million middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes. To address this issue, comprehensive educational campaigns, along with stricter regulations and public policy changes, must be implemented. It is crucial to ensure that young people understand the potential risks associated with vaping CBD and other substances. By promoting awareness and providing accurate information, we can protect the health and well-being of our youth.

For more information on e-cigarettes, visit HealthDay’s Wellness Library.

Sources: – Scott Ira Krakower, DO, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell; Child-Adolescent Psychiatrist, Glen Oaks, NY – Diane Tanaka, MD, Medical Director, Teenage and Young Adult Health Center; Medical Director, Homeless Adolescent and Young Adult Wellness Clinic; Medical Director, My Voice Transition Program; Attending Physician, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Clinician Educator), Keck School of Medicine of USC – JAMA Network Open, Aug. 16, 2023