 |
Over the past several years, the Food and Drug Administration has been working tirelessly along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and other federal, state and local partners to investigate the distressing incidents of severe lung injuries and deaths associated with the use of vaping products to provide consumers with actionable information to help best protect themselves and their loved ones.
I was surprised at the level of denial and rationalization from readers in response to last month’s column titled “It’s not just nicotine.”
When the CDC and FDA publish warnings about products purchased by consumers that may
be contaminated the general public stops using these products out of concern for their safety and recognize the CDC and the FDA as
a source of factual and dependable information.
CDC, FDA study proves that cannabis vaping could be more harmful than
nicotine vaping in terms
of inducing lung inflammation, respiratory disruption and lung damage, suppressing the immune responses
to vaccinations, and worsening the respiratory symptoms of patients with
pre-existing lung inflammatory diseases. More than 2,500 people were hospitalized or killed by cannabis vaping.
Vaping marijuana is often advertised as safer than smoking it. That’s because vaporizers heat – but don’t burn – herb, oil or wax forms of marijuana inhaled through the device. However, vaping marijuana isn’t safe, and in some ways it’s more dangerous than smoking marijuana.
Vaping is a gateway to
illicit drugs. Some people prefer to vape marijuana due to the milder smell, ease of use and affordability, but vaping marijuana is not safer. Studies suggest that vaping THC, particularly
in the form of electronic nicotine delivery systems, can be a gateway to other substances, including alcohol, cigarettes and illicit drugs.
Vaping can expose individuals to various substances, making them more susceptible to substance use disorders, especially if they start using substances at a young age. Studies have shown that those who begin vaping THC at a younger age are more likely to develop cannabis addiction and engage in other risky behaviors.
It’s important to note no vaping product has been approved by the FDA for therapeutic uses or authorized for marketing by the FDA. The adolescent brain continues to develop until around age 25, and exposure to THC interferes with this process, potentially affecting memory, learning, attention, decision-making and emotional regulation.
Cannabis concentrates used in vape pens often
have significantly higher levels of THC than traditional marijuana, increasing the risk of negative effects, including dependency, anxiety, paranoia and even psychosis.
Research suggests that nicotine may be as addictive as heroin and cocaine, and vaping can increase the risk of addiction to other substances. Why? THC vape products contain harmful additives and contaminants.
Vape pens often contain highly concentrated THC, which can lead to stronger effects and potential health concerns. Vaping THC has been linked to cases of acute lung injury.
Regular vaping of THC may increase the risk of addiction and other health issues. Some THC vape cartridges have been associated with long-term lung damage.
Answer – given this information from reliable sources if you continue to use, chances are you have a problem.
National marijuana addiction helplines are both free and confidential. Call 800-766-6779.
Dr. Herb Clark of Murphy is an expert in the field of addiction with 33 years of experience. He served on the N.C. Professional Practice board, adjunct professor for two universities and was a U.S. Marine serving 25 years, through two wars and three conflicts traveling the world, seeing the effects of addiction firsthand worldwide. Send questions or comments to him at hypno321@hotmail.com.