In recent years, the use of electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, has become increasingly popular among young people. These devices, which heat up a liquid containing nicotine and other chemicals, are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, a new study has found that many students who use e-cigarettes are also vaping CBD, a component of marijuana that does not produce the same psychoactive effects as THC.
According to the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey, more than 1 in 5 students who use e-cigarettes reported vaping CBD. This is concerning because CBD is not without its risks, especially when it comes to young people. Dr. Diane Tanaka, the medical director of the Teenage and Young Adult Health Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, explains that young people often underestimate the risks associated with vaping CBD. They may not realize that they are consuming CBD or understand the potential harm it can cause.
The study, which included a nationally representative sample of around 28,000 American students, also found that more than 6% of e-cigarette users didn't know whether or not they had vaped CBD. This lack of awareness is worrisome, as it suggests that young people may be unknowingly exposing themselves to the potential risks associated with CBD.
One of the risks of vaping CBD is the habit of vaping itself.[0] Many young people are drawn to the act of vaping and may become addicted to nicotine, which is present in many e-cigarette products. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential harm that CBD itself can cause.[1] While CBD is often touted for its potential therapeutic properties, there is still much we don't know about its long-term effects, especially in young people.[2]
Furthermore, a recently revealed letter from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirms that delta-8 THC, a compound found in cannabis, is considered federally illegal when synthesized from CBD.[2] This has implications for the CBD industry, as many consumer delta-8 products are made using hemp-derived CBD.[3]
The letter from the DEA highlights the need for clearer regulations surrounding hemp-derived cannabinoids, including delta-8 THC. Currently, there is a lack of consistency in how these products are regulated, which can lead to confusion and potential risks for consumers.
In light of these findings, it is clear that more needs to be done to educate young people about the risks associated with vaping CBD. Evidence-based educational campaigns, interventions, and public policy changes are needed to address this issue and reduce the potentially harmful health outcomes of vaping CBD among young people.
Parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers all have a role to play in addressing this issue. By working together, we can ensure that young people are informed about the risks of vaping CBD and make healthier choices for their well-being. Additionally, clearer regulations and guidelines surrounding hemp-derived cannabinoids are necessary to protect consumers and ensure the safety of CBD products on the market.
In conclusion, the prevalence of vaping CBD among e-cigarette users is a concerning trend. Young people may not fully understand the risks associated with vaping CBD, and there is still much we don't know about the long-term effects of CBD use, especially in this population. It is crucial that we take action to educate young people about the potential harm of vaping CBD and work towards clearer regulations surrounding hemp-derived cannabinoids. By doing so, we can promote the health and well-being of young people and ensure the safety of CBD products in the market.
0. “CBD in the Fire Service | WFCA” wfca.com, 11 Sep. 2023, https://wfca.com/fire-headlines/cbd-in-the-fire-service/
1. “Press Releases” www.cbd.int, 11 Sep. 2023, https://www.cbd.int/press-releases/
2. “Latest News And Blogs – Ohio CBD Guy” ohiocbdguy.com, 11 Sep. 2023, https://ohiocbdguy.com/latest-news
3. “Delta-8 THC Derived from CBD is Illegal, According to DEA Email …” www.ganjapreneur.com, 11 Sep. 2023, https://www.ganjapreneur.com/dea-confirmed-to-believe-delta-8-thc-synthesized-from-cbd-is-federally-illegal/
