THE TRIPLE THREAT TO TEEN HEALTH

Teens using vape devices face elevated risks to their long-term physical and mental health. They often start vaping due to the sleek designs and sweet flavors. Of today’s most popular vaping devices, nearly all contain nicotine. In addition, many young people may also try vaping cannabis (marijuana) using either THC cartridges, or modified nicotine devices.

Individually, vaping, nicotine, and cannabis each pose risks to developing brains and bodies. Risks like lung and heart issues, challenges with learning, and addiction.

Together they are a triple threat.

Vaping

Vaping use (commonly known as e-cigarettes, vapes, mods, vape pens, or pod-based devices) among youth has increased dramatically in recent years. Vaping devices will heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user then inhales into their lungs.

Vape devices can be used to deliver nicotine, flavorings, as well as cannabis (marijuana). A number of chemicals are used in manufacturing vape juices, in order to result in the aerosol.

According to a study by Stanford Medicine, teens who vape have a 5x higher risk of serious lung injury from COVID-19.


Vaps are sold in a variety of shapes and sizes

Sleek designs can be easy to hide from adults.

Left to right: Refillable vape, nicotine salts e-juice, disposable vape, replaceable pod vape, pods

Nicotine

Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that is toxic and affects brain development, learning, and retention for young people under the age of 25. It can be incredibly difficult to quit and tobacco/vaping companies use nicotine as the main addictive ingredient in their products.

When nicotine is inhaled, it can cause damage to an individual's lungs, heart, and brain. Studies have shown that nicotine can cause cancer.

Young people are the most at risk for nicotine addiction because their brains are still developing. Adolescents who are exposed to nicotine may have long-lasting effects on their brain development. Of today’s most popular vaping devices, nearly all contain nicotine.

Cannabis

Cannabis (commonly known as marijuana) is legal for adult use at age 21 and over. When teens use cannabis, there are a number of risks that their developing brain and body may face.

It also affects the teens’ emotional development, meaning that their main coping strategies and ways to emotionally weather difficult situations are affected.

The vaping of cannabis also poses the same lung and heart risks as vaping nicotine products.


Studies have consistently shown that heavy cannabis use can negatively affect a teen's memory and learning. This can lead to poor academic performance at school.

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