Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) and the Copper Corridor Coalition are working with the Substance Awareness Coalition Leaders of Arizona in a first-of-its-kind effort to save lives in Arizona.
Youth are using vape products at alarming rates across the nation. Most e-cigarette liquids contain high levels of nicotine, which can lead to higher rates of dependence, especially for teens and young adults. Vaping devices are also easily accessible among youth despite the legal age to buy any tobacco products, including vapes, is 21. Studies show that vaping can harm teen brain development and long-term mental health, lead to dependence, and damage the lungs.
Youth are also vaping cannabis products. Cannabis concentrates are highly potent and made by extracting THC – the chemical that produces the high feeling – from the cannabis plant. Similar chemicals found in liquid nicotine are found in these concentrates. Youth often mistakenly believe vaping concentrates is safer than smoking marijuana. However, studies have shown that concentrates include chemicals that are linked to long-term lung damage and mental health problems. As with tobacco products it is only legal to purchase, possess and use cannabis products if you are 21 years of age or older.
AZYP offers more information on vaping for youth and parents. If you are interested in receiving more information, please contact Emilia Rutledge at AZYP Emilia@azyp.org. or Darien Mathews at AZYP Darien@azyp.org.