According to groundbreaking research conducted by UTHealth Houston and published this month in the journal Social Science & Medicine, alcohol consumption has emerged as the most significant predictor of rising cannabis vaping among youth and young adults, irrespective of demographic variables. This highlights a critical intersection between various substance uses among the younger population.
Cannabis vaping refers to the practice of inhaling vapor produced by electronic cigarettes that deliver liquid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a highly concentrated and processed form of cannabis. Usage of cannabis vaping devices has surged dramatically among teenagers and young adults in the United States, with data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicating a notable trend.
“A decade ago, only 10% of cannabis users vaped it. Today, that figure has skyrocketed to around 75% among youth and young adults,” stated Dale Mantey, PhD, an assistant professor of health promotion and behavioral sciences at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, emphasizing the urgent public health implications this shift entails. “That is a major public health concern for many reasons.”
The habitual use of cannabis vaping in adolescents and young adults can pose serious risks to cognitive functions, including impairments in learning, memory retention, and attention capabilities. It can also lead to chronic respiratory problems arising from the usage of substandard black market THC liquids, a heightened likelihood of developing a dependence on cannabis, and potential legal repercussions due to federal laws classifying cannabis as a Schedule I substance.
This comprehensive study aimed to pinpoint the predictors influencing cannabis usage behaviors among both users and non-users. Data were collected from middle and high school students across major Texas cities such as Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. Between 2019 and 2021, these students were posed with crucial questions regarding their cannabis vaping habits, alongside self-reported details about their racial and ethnic identities, gender, nicotine use, and alcohol consumption. Additionally, the research explored indicators related to mental health, focusing on anxiety and depression within the student demographics.
“Understanding what factors predict cannabis vaping behavior allows us to effectively target our interventions,” said Mantey, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies in combating the trend.
Initially, a substantial 72.7% of participants indicated that they had never engaged in cannabis vaping, while 12.7% reported having vaped at some point, and 14.5% acknowledged current vaping habits. Notably, over the three-year duration of the study, the likelihood of experimenting with cannabis vaping (from no use to current use) was significantly greater among non-Hispanic Black students when compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts and other racial groups.
Alcohol emerged as a consistent contributor to the initiation and experimentation of cannabis vaping, effectively positioned as a “gateway” substance. “The ultimate goal is to delay initiation of substances in youth because the later someone initiates a substance, the less likely they are to become addicted to it,” explained Mantey. He underscored the necessity for multifaceted educational interventions: “When we enter schools to discuss tobacco, nicotine, or vaping prevention, we must also incorporate strategies addressing both cannabis and alcohol use prevention, rather than focusing solely on a single substance.”
Moreover, depression was identified as a predicting factor for the initiation of cannabis vaping, particularly within Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black groups. The authors of the study posited that further investigation is essential to grasp the relationship between mental health issues, such as depression, and cannabis vaping among distinct demographic groups, enabling public health initiatives to better target the populations most susceptible to risks.
Additional contributors from UTHealth Houston to this study included Stephanie L. Clendennen, DrPH, MPH; Baojiang Chen, PhD; Sana Amin, MPH; and Melissa B. Harrell, PhD, MPH.
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What role does alcohol consumption play in the rising trend of cannabis vaping among youths, according to Dr. Mantey’s research?
**Interview with Dr. Dale Mantey on the Rise of Cannabis Vaping Among Youth**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Mantey. It’s great to have you here today to discuss your recent research regarding cannabis vaping among young people. Your study highlights some concerning trends, particularly in relation to alcohol consumption. Can you elaborate on your findings?
**Dr. Mantey:** Thank you for having me. Yes, our research, which was published in *Social Science & Medicine*, found that alcohol consumption is the most significant predictor of increased cannabis vaping among youth and young adults. This relationship exists regardless of demographic factors such as race, ethnicity, or gender. This connection underscores a worrying overlap between different substance use behaviors.
**Host:** That’s interesting. What specific changes in cannabis vaping habits have you observed over the past decade?
**Dr. Mantey:** The shift has been quite dramatic. A decade ago, only about 10% of cannabis users reported using vaping as their method of consumption. Today, that number has skyrocketed to approximately 75% among youth and young adults. This is alarming, as it suggests a rapid normalization of vaping within this demographic.
**Host:** What are some of the health risks associated with habitual cannabis vaping, especially for adolescents and young adults?
**Dr. Mantey:** There are several significant concerns. Firstly, habitual cannabis vaping can impair cognitive functions, including learning, memory, and attention. Additionally, many users may be exposed to substandard black market THC liquids, which can lead to chronic respiratory issues. Furthermore, there’s an increased risk of developing a dependence on cannabis and potential legal repercussions due to its classification as a Schedule I substance federally.
**Host:** Your study included detailed data from students across major Texas cities. What insights did you gain about the broader implications for public health?
**Dr. Mantey:** We gathered data from middle and high school students in cities like Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. Our findings show that understanding predictors of cannabis vaping can help us create targeted interventions. For instance, addressing the relationship between alcohol use and cannabis vaping could be crucial in prevention strategies. Mental health factors like anxiety and depression also played a role in our analysis, suggesting that interventions should be holistic.
**Host:** With such significant trends identified, what do you see as the next steps for public health initiatives?
**Dr. Mantey:** The most important step is to develop tailored intervention programs that address these intersecting substance use issues. Education campaigns should focus not only on the risks of vaping but also tackle the underlying factors like alcohol consumption and mental health challenges. Engaging parents and communities is essential in creating supportive environments for young people.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Mantey, for sharing your insights. It’s vital that we understand these trends to protect the health of our youth.
**Dr. Mantey:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep this dialog going.
