Levittown Community Action Coalition
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Current Trend - Vaping Marijuana

The increased use of e-cigarettes among youth is mirrored by a similiar increase in vaping cannabis. Like cigarettes, there has been a shift away from using dry, combustile marijuana, like in a pipe or joint. Instead, cannabis wax or concentrate containing THC can be smoked using 'dab pens' or vaporizers. Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, is the main active ingredient in marijuana that produces psychological effects. These 'pens' or 'vapes' are extremely potent, containing high concentrations of THC ranging from 40 to 80%. Like e-cigarettes, many users prefer to consume cannabis using a dab pen or vape because it is odorless, easy to conceal, and often perceived as less harmful than other methods of consumption.1

The health-related consequences of vaping marijuana concentrates are not yet well-understood. However, researchers acknowledge that there are risks associated with the use of high-potency concentrates including acute adverse effects, like paranoia and psychosis, and long term mental and physical health problems. The finding of heavy metal in vapes is also cause for concern in evaluating the risk for lung injury.2 The CDC is continuing to monitor e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injuries (EVALI). As of 2020, 2,807 individuals have been hospitalized due to EVALI, 68 of which have died.3 Following an outbreak of EVALI in August and September of 2019, it was noted that THC containing e-cigarettes and vape products, obtained through informal sources like friends, family, or in-person or online dealers, were linked to most cases.3 Research on EVALI and other adverse health effects is ongoing.

 

1 Drug Enforcement Administration. Vaping & Marijuana Concentrates [Internet]. Vaping & Marijuana Concentrates: What is Vaping? Available from: https://www.dea.gov/

2 Chadi N, Minato C, Stanwick R. Cannabis vaping: Understanding the health risks of a rapidly emerging trend. Paediatrics & Child Health. 2020;25.

3 Outbreak of lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2021. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/

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Resources

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Drug Enforcement Administration

DEA's revised and updated drug fact sheet about vaping and marijuana concentrates - what are they, what is their origin, what are the common street names for vaping and marijuana concentrates, what do vapes and various concentrates look like, how they are used/abused, and what is their effect on the minds and bodies of users?

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New York Sate's Office of Cannabis Management

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) was established upon passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in March 2021 to implement a regulatory framework for medical and adult-use cannabis and hemp in the state of New York. Use this as a reference for more information on marijuana, the legal status of cannabis products, and the licensing and regulation of retailers.

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Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Marijuana and Public Health

CDC's website on marijuana and public health. CDC is working to identify and address the public health concerns of marijuana use including monitoring and addressing the use of and exposure to cannabis and its associated health and social effects.

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Smart Approaches to Marijuana

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is an alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy. SAM's mission is to educate citizens on the science of marijuana and to promote health-first, smart policies and attitudes that decrease marijuana use and its consequences.