The practice of using vaping devices to consume marijuana or cannabis products is becoming increasingly widespread. Recent data shows that more than one-fifth of high school seniors have reported vaping marijuana in the past year. The scientific data that we have on vaping cannabis is still fairly new, with new data coming in frequently, we are still very much in the dark to the full potential of how dangerous this is to our society. But, the data is already pointing to how detrimental this is to our health. Can-Am would like to bring awareness to the ramifications of Vaping cannabis and to offer help to those in need of assistance.
How it works
Just like nicotine vaping devices, marijuana vapes work by heating a liquid or oil that becomes a vapor the user inhales. Marijuana vaping devices often resemble vaping devices used for nicotine or other e-liquids. For example, PAX is a brand of marijuana vaporizers that closely resemble the popular JUUL devices. Those seeking to vape marijuana can also learn how to “hack” nicotine vapes to work with marijuana from countless YouTube videos and other online resources.
The risks
When teens vape marijuana, they’re putting two vital organs at risk: their brains and their lungs. The brain of an adolescent or young adult continues to grow and develop well into early adulthood, and is busy developing critical skills related to problem-solving, impulse control, anticipating consequences and more. Marijuana can get in the way of this crucial development.It’s important for parents and caregivers to note that marijuana may impact the brains of young people differently than it impacts the brains of fully mature adults.
Long-lasting or permanent effects on the developing adolescent brain due to vaping may include:
- Difficulty with critical thinking skills like attention, problem solving and memory
- Long-term lung damage (COPD, cancer)
- Impaired reaction time and coordination, especially as it relates to driving
- Decline in school performance
- Increased risk of mental health issues including depression or anxiety and, in some cases, psychosis where there is a family history of it
Research also shows that teens who vape are twice as likely as adults to become addicted to it.Several thousand lung injuries and deaths have also been associated with an illness linked to vaping devices containing THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and Vitamin E Acetate, a thickening agent sometimes added to the e-liquid. Although the majority of marijuana vaping devices containing Vitamin E Acetate were bought through illegal channels, there have been several cases where the additive was identified in vaping products purchased from regulated marijuana dispensaries. This is not the same marijuana cigarettes (or joints) that we smoked in the past. This is a more potent and condensed version that has much stronger and lasting effects on our health than typical marijuana use. Effects to the body that we are still learning more about everyday, and the data continuously supports this as an unhealthy action to perform.
Symptoms of this vaping-related lung illness, also known as EVALI (E-cigarette, or Vaping, product use Associated Lung Injury), include:
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Low oxygen levels
- Lung failure and death (in severe cases)
Help?
Although the data is overwhelmingly in favor of vaping being an unhealthy act, vaping is a readily available and accepted method of use amongst peers and in society (being endorsed by the gov’t) and it is up to us to determine what is good for us even though it is so available and accepted. If you are reading this article, it is very likely that you or someone you care about is struggling with this issue. Can-Am Interventions has a vast experience treating people with these types of addictions and invite you to reach out so we can help. We are here to answer questions, to listen to your concerns and to provide treatment and council that best supports your recovery. The help you require is one phone call away. We look forward to meeting you.
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