Marijuana Trends in Youth
Ryley Jones BS, CHES, OCPS
Young Prevention Professionals Project member
Hash oil, also known as “dabs” is a product created by extracting THC from the marijuana plant. THC stands for, tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a psychoactive substance found in the cannabis sativa plant that makes you feel “high”.
This oil may contain up to 90% THC and can be consumed by smoking, vaping, or through edibles. Consuming this highly concentrated form of THC increases the risk of an unpredictable high and/ or negative physical/ emotional reactions such as paranoia, anxiety attacks, hallucinations, increased heart rate, etc.
Marijuana concentrates have been commonly used by youth in vaping devices. This trend may be due to the fact that vaping marijuana is smokeless, sometimes odorless, and is easy to hide or conceal. The vape device heats the concentrate to produce vapors that ensure an instant “high” effect.
What is the difference between Vaping and Smoking Marijuana?
Vaping and smoking both involve inhaling marijuana. The main difference between the two is that vaping involves heating a cannabis-based oil with a device. Smoking typically involves inhaling the smoke from the actual cannabis flower rolled into a joint, blunt, or cigarette.
How can we prevent teen marijuana use:
- Help support healthy & informed decision-making skills
- Use evidence-based, best practices
- Remind parents/guardians that use to store products safely
- Teach the importance of having healthy coping mechanisms
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