School districts throughout the nation, including schools in Kay County, have seen an increase in the student use of electronic cigarettes and vaping pens. According to the latest data, 1 out of every 4 Oklahoma high school students use vaping products. Common additives used in such devices include nicotine and flavorings. These substances are proven to have negative effects on adolescent brain development. Additionally, e-cigarettes and vaping pens are devices that can be used as a delivery system for marijuana. Parents should be aware of the dangers associated with vaping marijuana and how to recognize if their teens are vaping. According to the CDC in 2022, a significant percentage of teens reported last year marijuana vaping- 8% of 8th graders, 19% of 10th graders and 22% of 12 graders. Vaping marijuana can have permanent effects on the developing brain, mental health issues, as well as medical concerns. Teens who use marijuana have difficulties with learning, memory issues, and problem solving. The brain is still developing until the age of 25. Marijuana use increases the chances of not graduating high school.Vaping can be difficult to detect, and it is not safe; marijuana concentrate can contain extraordinarily high THC levels ranging from 40 to 80%. This form of marijuana can be up to four times stronger in THC content than high grade or top shelf marijuana, which normally measures around 20% THC levels.Marijuana use has been linked to a range of mental health problems, such as depression and social anxiety. Columbia University study has found that teens who use cannabis recreationally are two to four times as likely to develop psychiatric disorders, such as depression and suicidality, then teens who do not use cannabis at all. The research also finds that casual cannabis use puts teens at risk for problem behaviors, including poor grades, truancy, and trouble with the law, which can have long-term negative consequences that may keep youth from developing their full potential in adulthood (JAMA,2023). Understanding the availability and risks of vaping these substances and having the needed information to start a conversation about them with your kids is important.Come join us for the Community Health Foundation of Kay County’s free event to educate parents and guardians specifically about vaping and marijuana use in adolescents. Topics covered will include the short-term and long-term effects of these substances in adolescents; identifying commonly used vaping and marijuana devices; signs a student ...
