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Is marijuana addictive? | National Institute on Drug Abuse

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Marijuana use can lead to the development of problem use, known as a marijuana use disorder, which takes the form of addiction in severe cases.

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10_ Vaping Marijuana Informational Videos

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The practice of using vaping devices to consume marijuana or cannabis products is becoming increasingly widespread. Recent data shows that more than one-fifth of high school seniors have reported vaping marijuana in the past year.[1] At the same time, one of the ingredients present in many marijuana vapes has been linked to a wave of illnesses and deaths impacting people of all ages across the U.S.

Unfortunately, these vaping-related injuries and mortalities are not the only reason parents and caregivers should be concerned about the risks teenagers and young adults face when they vape marijuana.

How it works

Just like nicotine vaping devices, marijuana vapes work by heating a liquid or oil that becomes a vapor the user inhales. Marijuana vaping devices often resemble vaping devices used for nicotine or other e-liquids. For example, PAX is a brand of marijuana vaporizers that closely resemble the popular JUUL devices. Those seeking to vape marijuana can also learn how to "hack" nicotine vapes to work with marijuana from countless YouTube videos and other online resources.

When teens vape marijuana they're putting two vital organs at risk: their brains and their lungs. The brain of an adolescent or young adult continues to grow and develop well into early adulthood, and is busy developing critical skills related to problem-solving, impulse control, anticipating consequences and more. Marijuana can get in the way of this crucial development.

It's important for parents and caregivers to note that marijuana may impact the brains of young people differently than it impacts the brains of fully mature adults. Long-lasting or permanent effects on the developing adolescent brain due to marijuana use may include:

Difficulty with critical thinking skills like attention, problem solving and memory

Impaired reaction time and coordination, especially as it relates to driving

Decline in school performance

Increased risk of mental health issues including depression or anxiety and, in some cases, psychosis where there is a family history of it

Research also shows that teens who use marijuana are twice as likely as adults to become addicted to it.

Several thousand lung injuries and deaths have also been associated with an illness linked to vaping devices containing THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and Vitamin E Acetate, a thickening agent sometimes added to the e-liquid.[2] Although the majority of marijuana vaping devices containing Vitamin E Acetate were bought through illegal channels, there have been several cases where the additive was identified in vaping products purchased from regulated marijuana dispensaries.

Symptoms of this vaping-related lung illness, also known as EVALI (E-cigarette, or Vaping, product use Associated Lung Injury), include:

Shortness of breath

Weight loss

Night sweats

Fatigue

Gastrointestinal problems

Low oxygen levels

Lung failure and death (in severe cases)

Download PDF

How to recognize if your child is vaping marijuana

Vaping can be difficult to detect as there is no smoke, minimal odor (although you may catch a whiff) and the vapor produced dissipates rapidly. However, just like smoking, vaping marijuana can result in bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and thirst, increased appetite and shifts in behavior and mood. Sometimes, there is a noticeable change in friends and a decrease in activities that were once enjoyed.

You may also find vaping paraphernalia such as devices that look like flash drives, gel jars that contain dabs, and pods or cartridges that contain THC oil. There's a lot of high-tech-looking equipment that can accompany vaping, so if you're not sure, it might be time to talk to your child about what you found.

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Vaping and Marijuana: What You Need to Know

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The practice of using vaping devices to consume marijuana or cannabis products is becoming increasingly widespread. Recent data shows that more than one-fifth of high school seniors have reported vaping marijuana in the past year.[1] At the same time, one of the ingredients present in many marijuana vapes has been linked to a wave of illnesses and deaths impacting people of all ages across the U.S.

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Vaping Marijuana Brochure (Drug Enforcement Administration)

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Vaping marijuana associated with more symptoms of lung damage than vaping or smoking nicotine

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Adolescents who vape cannabis are at greater risk for respiratory symptoms indicative of lung injury than teens who smoke cigarettes or marijuana, or vape nicotine, a new University of Michigan study suggests. The result challenges conventional wisdom about vaping nicotine, says the study's princ

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The safety and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes or other vaping products still aren't well known. In September 2019, federal and state health authorities began investigating an outbreak of a severe lung disease associated with e-cigarettes and other vaping products. We're closely monitoring the situation and will update our content as soon as more information is available.

Over the past decade, marijuana laws have continued to change across the United States.

What was once vilified as a potentially dangerous "gateway drug" is now being recognized by many states (33 plus Washington, D.C., to be exact) as having medicinal properties that can help manage a range of health conditions, from anxiety and cancer to chronic pain and more.

Marijuana is now also recreationally legal in 11 of those 33 states. (Note that marijuana is still classified as illegal by the U.S. federal government.)

In states where marijuana is legal, it's being sold mostly in three different ways:

If you live in a state where marijuana is legal, you might be wondering how best to consume it, especially in light of recent federal investigations into the safety of vaping.

Here's what we know.

For decades, health experts warned the public about the dangers of inhaling tobacco smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.

For marijuana, some research suggests some compounds in it, known as cannabinoids, may have a few benefits.

One of the more well-known cannabinoids is called CBD. For this reason, some people believe smoking marijuana is less dangerous than smoking tobacco.

Cannabinoids, such as CBD, are different from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical in marijuana that gets a person "high."

What about smoking?

Inhaling smoke of any kind - whether it's cannabinoid-containing weed or tobacco or another substance - is bad for lung health, according to the American Lung Association.

Most marijuana users hold smoke in their lungs longer than tobacco smokers, putting them at greater risk for exposure to tar - which is harmful to the lungs.

Some negative health effects associated with chronic weed smoking include:

air pockets between the lungs and lungs and chest wall

chronic bronchitis

cough

excessive mucus production

possible increased risk of infection in immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV

possible increased risk of lower respiratory tract infections

weakened immune system

wheezing

What about vaping?

Vaping marijuana involves inhaling heated oil through a vaporizing device, often referred to as an e-cigarette. Vaping marijuana can also refer to using a vaporizer, such as a Volcano, to produce vapor from dried plant material.

Some people believe vaping is safer than smoking because it doesn't involve inhaling smoke. But the reality is, when it comes to vaping marijuana, there's much less known about the negative health effects.

The most recent research suggests vaping THC oil could be quite harmful to lung health. The greatest concern at the moment is the severe effects of inhaling vitamin E acetate. This additive chemical has been found in many vaping products that contain THC.

As of Dec. 27, 2019, nearly 2,561 cases of lung injury (EVALI) caused by inhalation of vitamin E acetate, or " popcorn lung," have been reported in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) and have led to 55 deaths during that time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some of the people affected by vaping illnesses include children.

The recommends people avoid using e-cigarettes and vaping products, particularly those containing THC oil, because they're likely to contain vitamin E acetate.

Early research shows vaping liquids and oils - even once - can harm your lungs. Because vaping is new and hasn't been well studied, there could be harmful effects of vaping that aren't yet known.

Some states with legal marijuana are proactively warning marijuana users that vaping liquids has been known to cause severe lung injuries and death.

To stay up to date on the latest vaping-related illness news, check the CDC website for regular updates.

Smoking uses dried plant parts or concentrates

There are several ways to smoke marijuana:

One way is to roll dried parts of the flower into a joint using cigarette paper.

Some people mix their marijuana with tobacco, so it's a bit less potent (this is called a spliff).

Some people use bongs or pipes to smoke.

Sometimes people smoke more potent forms of marijuana than the flower, called concentrates. These include hash and kief.

Vaping uses concentrated extracts or ground dry herb

When people vape, they consume concentrated marijuana. It seems to be a much more potent delivery system than smoking. In other words, you'll get more high from vaping than from smoking.

Vaping can be more intense

Researchers have determined that the effects of vaping marijuana are much stronger than smoking.

In , researchers found that first-time and infrequent marijuana users were more likely to experience adverse reactions from the enhanced delivery of THC caused by vaping when compared to smoking.

Both take effect fast

Both smoking and vaping have an almost immediate effect on the body. Their effects peak within 10 to 15 minutes.

Most experts recommend starting vaping or smoking very slowly, taking in a small amount at first and waiting 20 to 30 minutes before having more.

Because the harmful effects of smoking are well known and the health effects of vaping are unknown (and possibly very serious), it's understandable that you might want to seek an alternative way to use marijuana.

If you're looking to consume marijuana in the least risky way, ingesting it might be the way to go.

Edibles

Edible marijuana products, or edibles, can be any food or beverage. They include, but aren't limited to:

Effects take more time

Keep in mind that ingesting marijuana doesn't have an immediate effect. Having too much can lead to adverse physical and mental reactions, such as:

But when eaten in moderation, edibles seem to have no apparent harmful health effects.

Marijuana needs to be heated

Eating "raw" marijuana won't have the same effects on the body as consuming marijuana-based products prepared correctly. Marijuana has to be heated in order for its chemical compounds to be activated. Cooking it can do that.

Start small and keep waiting

It can take up to 2 hours for the effects of ingested marijuana to hit and around 3 hours for them to peak. Effects are often long lasting - anywhere from 6 to 8 hours.

For this reason, it's important to start slowly. Consume a very small amount if you're ingesting marijuana for the first time. For example, a common dose for edibles is 10 milligrams of THC. If you're just starting out, opt for 2 to 5 milligrams of THC.

Focus on CBD instead

If you seek the purported beneficial health effects of marijuana without the high, you may want to seek out CBD oil and products that contain it. Note: does not recommend vaping any liquid, including CBD oil.

Note, however, that CBD products aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you do buy them, it's important to do so from a reputable distributor.

Do's and don'ts for edibles

While more research on the effects of consuming marijuana is needed, it appears we can conclude that smoking any substance - including marijuana - is generally not good for you.

New research suggests vaping liquids may also be detrimental to health and can cause serious problems, including death. So, it seems the least harmful way of consuming marijuana may be to eat it.

However, researchers note that long-term marijuana use and THC exposure may increase the risk of psychosis and mental health disorders.

If you want to get the health benefits of marijuana with the least amount of risks, it seems CBD products might be the way to go - though you won't get high from using them.
Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

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The safety and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes or other vaping products still aren't well known. In September 2019, federal and state health authorities began investigating an outbreak of a severe lung disease associated with e-cigarettes and other vaping products .

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Vaping Was Once Touted As A ‘Healthy’ Way To Consume Marijuana

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Unfortunately, no matter the source—legal or illegal—users don’t truly know what’s in vaping product cartridges.

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As more states legalize medical and recreational marijuana use, you may be curious about the types of products available to you. The popularity of vaping tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil is one that is on the rise.

Vaping THC oil involves heating the oil and inhaling it through a vaporizing device like a vape pen or e-cigarette. Many healthcare providers are concerned about the health-related effects of this THC product type.

Also Known As:A THC vaping device can be referred to as a vape pen, dab pen, wax pen, THC pen, e-hookah, or mod. THC oil is sometimes called vape juice, 710 (OIL spelled backward), wax, shatter, or black glass. The container that holds the oil is known as a pod.

Drug Class: Marijuana has long been known for both its stimulant and depressant properties. However, it is also sometimes classified as a hallucinogen.

Common Side Effects: Cannabis vaping can result in side effects such as cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal issues.

How to Recognize THC Vaping Oil & Devices

What Does Vaping THC Oil Do?

THC is the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana and the substance that makes you feel "high." In addition to giving a euphoric feeling, THC is also believed to impact pain, mood, and other feelings. It provides these effects through the way it impacts cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

While people can react to THC differently, some of the most common reasons people use marijuana include helping with anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and depression. Additionally, vaping is the third most common marijuana consumption method, followed by smoking and edibles.

What the Experts Say

Research suggests that vaping THC oil, especially oil that contains vitamin E acetate, can be particularly harmful to the lungs. Vitamin E acetate, which is regularly added to THC when preparing it for use in e-cigarettes and vaping devices, is particularly harmful when it's inhaled.

In 2019, the dangers of vaping came to light. In September of that year, health officials began investigating an outbreak of a severe lung disease associated with vaping and e-cigarettes. By December, 2,561 cases of the lung disease often referred to as e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) had resulted in hospitalization or death.

Currently, the CDC recommends that people avoid using e-cigarettes and vaping products-particularly those that contain THC oil. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has joined the CDC in this recommendation.

Vaping THC oil just once can significantly impact your lungs. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that first-time and infrequent users of marijuana were more likely to experience adverse reactions from vaping THC oil.

This study's authors suggest that the negative impacts of this THC ingestion method are largely due to the enhanced delivery of the oil. This was evidenced by participants having more pronounced effects and experiencing significant impacts on their motor skills and cognitive abilities.

Marijuana concentrates, such as those used in vaping, also have incredibly high THC levels-up to four times as high as those found in top-shelf marijuana. This may also explain why their effects are more enhanced.

Off-Label or Recently Approved Uses

The FDA has approved a few THC-containing medications for use with certain medical conditions, such as those related to cancer, AIDS, and epilepsy. However, these medications use purified chemicals that are either derived from or based on those contained within the marijuana plant.

Because the long-term impact of marijuana use in less-purified forms is unknown, the FDA does not approve of THC use in any form beyond these medications. This would include vaping THC oil.

Common Side Effects

Marijuana use, in general, has both short- and long-term side effects. Some of its short-term effects include:

Coordination issues

Distorted senses (such as sight, sound, touch)

Increased anxiety

Increased heart rate

Issues with attention, memory, and learning

Longer-lasting side effects of marijuana use include learning, memory, and sleep issues. People who use marijuana repeatedly over time may also experience effects such as:

Increased risk of addiction

Increased risk of chronic cough

Increased risk of schizophrenia (if a genetic risk also exists)

Learning and memory issues

Using marijuana in higher doses, sometimes referred to as marijuana intoxication, can also result in a variety of side effects, some of which include:

There are a few side effects that have been associated specifically with vaping THC oil, especially for people who vape infrequently. Among them are:

Signs of Use

How do you know if someone in your life might be vaping THC oil? Signs of marijuana use can include:

Being drowsy during the daytime

Having bloodshot eyes

Inability to judge time

Increased cough or wheezing

Increased hunger for no apparent reason

Lack of focus or inability to concentrate

Secretive behavior

Trouble with coordination

Unusually talkative

Vaping devices or oils in their possession or in their room

Weird, unexplained smells (some THC vaping oils are flavored, resulting in a variety of scents)

Marijuana vaping use is on the rise, particularly in certain age groups. For instance, the number of college-age students who've vaped in the past month increased from 5.2% to 14% in just two years' time. A 2022 study adds that the number of teens vaping cannabis in the last 30 days increased seven-fold from 2013 to 2020.

Common Questions

There are a couple of misconceptions surrounding both THC and vaping.

THC Is Not the Same as CBD

Some people confuse THC with CBD (cannabidiol), another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. However, it's important to note that CBD oil and THC oil impact the body in completely different ways.

One notable difference is that while THC has psychoactive properties, CBD does not. As a result, CBD does not make you high, and it is believed to work with other receptors in the body to produce an overall feeling of well-being.

There are legality differences too. As of February 2022, 37 states and four territories have approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes and 18 states and two territories have approved marijuana for recreational use.

Even though these states and territories allow marijuana use for medical or recreational purposes, it is still illegal under federal law. Conversely, the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp (of which CBD oil is a derivative) from the definition of marijuana, making it legal federally as long as it contains 0.3% THC or less.

Vaping THC Is Not Safer Than Smoking It

A 2018 Gallup Poll found that most Americans believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking, with 40% of the respondents indicating that marijuana was "not too" harmful. Some think this because vaping involves inhaling vapor rather than smoke. The issue is that there isn't enough research to support this belief.

Research indicates that the dangers of vaping include having no regulation of the compounds in vaping products (so you don't know what you're getting); the fact that vaping delivers a higher amount of THC; and the potential of heating coils in vaping devices to increase exposure to carcinogens.

Other health experts warn that vaping marijuana may even damage the lungs more so than smoking or vaping nicotine. This doesn't mean that vaping nicotine is safe, but that vaping THC oil is thought to create a greater amount of lung damage.

A study published in Addiction adds that while vaping nicotine may be safer than smoking cigarettes, the same may not hold true when it comes to marijuana. In fact, additives like vitamin E acetate may make this delivery method even more dangerous than smoking a joint, putting the person's lungs at a greater risk for injury.

Tolerance, Dependence, and Withdrawal

If you vape THC oil regularly, you may develop a tolerance, potentially through the way cannabis creates neuroadaptive changes in the brain. Vaping THC oil can also lead to a substance use disorder.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that between 9% and 30% of people who use marijuana develop some sort of substance use disorder. Also, people who begin using marijuana before they turn 18 are four to seven times more likely than adults to develop cannabis use disorder.

How Long Does THC Vaping Oil Stay In Your System?

The amount of time THC stays in your system varies based on a variety of factors. Among them are how often you use it, how much of it you use, your consumption methods, and the rate at which your body metabolizes the drug.

One study of people with heavy cannabis use found that THC was detectable in their saliva for up to 78 hours, in their blood for at least 7 days, and in their urine for up to 5 days. Those who use the drug less frequently would likely have smaller detection windows.

Another study looked at how long THC showed up in the saliva after vaping it, smoking it, or consuming edibles. It noted that THC levels were higher both immediately and later in people who smoked or vaped when compared to those using edibles.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse shares that cannabis use disorder can turn into a marijuana addiction if the usage of this drug cannot be stopped even when it interferes with various aspects of your life. This could include causing issues at work, school, or home.

Additionally, because some confuse dependence with addiction, it is unclear exactly how many people may be addicted to marijuana. Though, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that one in 10 people using marijuana will develop an addiction.

Withdrawal

People with a history of long-term marijuana use (including vaping THC oil) may experience mild withdrawal symptoms if they stop. These include:

Symptoms such as these can make it difficult to quit using marijuana. Though they are typically mild, if they are bothersome or severe, talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to help.

How to Get Help

Several options exist for people who want help with their marijuana use. Ones that seem to provide the best outcome include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy, which includes learning how to identify and correct behaviors, resulting in better self-control and the resolution of issues contributing to drug use

Contingency management, which is a form of behavioral therapy that involves monitoring certain behaviors and instituting rewards if a specific positive behavior occurs, or rewarding a lack of the behavior if that is the desired outcome

Motivational enhancement therapy, which helps promote motivation within the individual to change, and to engage in treatment

At this time, no medications are FDA-approved to treat cannabis use disorder, but research is ongoing for several options that may help by relieving issues related to stress, anxiety, and trouble sleeping.

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Vaping THC Oil: Effects, Risks, and How to Get Help

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As more states legalize medical and recreational marijuana use, you may be curious about the types of products available to you. The popularity of vaping tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil is one that is on the rise. Vaping THC oil involves heating the oil and inhaling it through a vaporizing device like a vape pen or e-cigarette.

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Vaping marijuana is often touted as safer than smoking it. That's because vaporizers heat-but don't burn-herb, oil, or wax forms of marijuana. However, vaping marijuana isn't safe in general, and in some ways, it may be more dangerous than smoking weed.

Both smoking and vaping marijuana has generally been considered safer than smoking cigarettes or vaping with nicotine products. However, when it comes to vaping, that belief may be false, as well.

This article looks at the potential harms of vaping marijuana, how to identify them, and how vaping marijuana compares to vaping nicotine products.

Is Vaping Marijuana Safe?

Some people prefer to vape marijuana for several reasons. It has a much milder smell, it's easier to use, more affordable, and provides a consistent dosage.

Many people also vape because they think it's safer than smoking. They appear to be wrong.

With what's known about it right now, experts are saying no, it isn't safe-or even safer- to vape marijuana.

THC, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the substance in marijuana that gets you high. Research suggests that vaping THC oil-which is a common form among vapers-may damage your lungs and increase your risk of negative side effects.

Other ingredients in vape products can harm your lungs, as well.

EVALI: Potentially Fatal Lung Injury

The risk of damage increases significantly if your vape product contains a chemical called vitamin E acetate. In 2019, an outbreak of severe lung disease from vaping was largely blamed on this vitamin.

The disease was named EVALI, which stands for e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury. In the first few months, more than 2,500 people were hospitalized or killed by EVALI. Among those people:

82% had vaped products that contained THC, often along with other vape products

33% exclusively vaped THC-containing products

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend against all vaping, but especially recommend not vaping THC oil.

The risk is greater from illegally manufactured or modified vape products, which are more common in states where marijuana remains illegal. However, even with legal products, vaping THC oil just one time can significantly harm your lungs.

Some experts say chest X-rays of people with EVALI show signs of lung irritation by oily chemicals, which could include both vitamin E acetate and THC oil itself.

Much remains for researchers to learn about EVALI. What's clear so far is that vaping is involved and vitamin E acetate is not the only culprit.

EVALI Symptoms? Call 911

EVALI and Legal vs. Illegal Products

Vaporizer products purchased from a dispensary may be safer than black market vape products. In terms of the EVALI outbreak, studies show there were:

1.7 cases per million people in states where recreational marijuana is legal

8.8 cases per million people in states where only medical marijuana is legal

8.1 cases per million people in states where marijuana consumption is prohibited

You can see there were almost as many cases in medical marijuana states as there were in prohibition states. This suggests recreational users who don't have access to a dispensary are more at risk of developing EVALI.

Cannabis is legal for medical use in 35 states, but you should still make sure the products you choose are legal and fully tested. Dispensaries should be able to provide a full report of the product's lab results.

Beware of dispensaries that try to circumvent regulations. For example, those that don't charge a sales tax may be evading other regulations as well, which may increase your risk of illness or injury.

Risk of Side Effects

Marijuana-containing vape products contain concentrated forms of the plant, which means THC levels are many times higher than in the highest-quality marijuana. That makes vaping them especially likely to cause negative side effects or long-term health problems.

Addiction: Contrary to popular belief, marijuana can be addictive. About 30% of users are estimated to have substance use disorder.

Impaired brain function: Marijuana use has an immediate effect on thinking, attention, memory, coordination, and perceptions of time.

Impaired brain development: Exposure during pregnancy, childhood, or the teen years may impair the brain's ability to build connections, which affects attention, memory, and learning.

Cancer risk: Vaping or smoking marijuana may contribute to the development of lung cancer.

Driving: Because marijuana impairs your reaction time, decision-making, coordination, and perceptions, it's unsafe to drive after using it.

Heart health: Marijuana raises the heart rate and blood pressure, so it could increase your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Mental health: Frequent, high-dose use may cause anxiety, paranoia, temporary psychosis (disconnection from reality), schizophrenia, depression, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Vaping THC oil is linked to an additional set of side effects, especially in frequent users. They include:

Drowsiness

Dry eyes and mouth

Feeling sick

Increased hunger

Restlessness

Cannabis and Cancer

Harmful Ingredients

In addition to vitamin E acetate, several non-marijuana-based ingredients you inhale can harm your lungs.

The FDA hasn't regulated vaping cartridges as tightly as other products. Ingredient lists don't always disclose everything in the product, so you don't always know what's in vaping fluids.

Some harmful ingredients used in vaping products include:

Heavy metals: The tiny coils that heat the vaporizer are made of metals that can break down over time, so you may be inhaling heavy metals.

Carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds: Some chemicals used to suspend THC or make a "vapor" can release potentially dangerous, cancer-causing compounds when they're heated.

Ultrafine particulates: While there's less than in pipes or cigarettes, vaping fluids do contain tiny particulates that, when inhaled, get deep into the lungs and cause irritation.

Flavors: Added flavors in many vaping products contain such fluids as diacetyl, which has been linked to serious lung issues when inhaled.

Flavors and other ingredients may combine to form harmful chemicals when heated.

Vaping in Youth

Vaping Marijuana vs. Vaping Nicotine

Smoking anything-be it tobacco or marijuana leaves-is inarguably dangerous to your health. When you smoke, you inhale very hot pieces of debris that irritate the sensitive tissue in your lungs.

Burning leaves can also cause chemical reactions that lead you to inhale potentially toxic compounds, some of which are linked to cancer.

Vaporizers don't burn anything. Instead, they heat substances until they're hot enough to create an aerosol-but not so hot that they combust.

Compared to the hot, harsh smoke of burning leaves, the aerosol made by vaporizers can feel much smoother on the lungs. But that doesn't mean they're safer.

Which Method Is Safer?

When it comes to the question of whether it's safer to vape or smoke, it's a matter of degrees of danger. It's not safe to smoke or vape anything.

With nicotine-containing products, vaping may be safer than smoking. It involves fewer hazardous chemicals and results in less lung damage. Still, it's far from safe and can lead to nicotine addiction and potentially fatal lung disease.

With marijuana products, though, that doesn't appear to be the case.

Smoking marijuana harms your lungs, but vaping marijuana appears to be even worse.

What's more, vaping marijuana appears to be more dangerous than vaping or even smoking nicotine products.

After conducting a study published in 2021, researchers said they were surprised to find that vaping marijuana was even worse than using e-cigarettes. Among adolescents, marijuana vaping was significantly more likely to cause symptoms of lung injury.

Safer Ways To Consume Cannabis

You can use marijuana without either smoking or vaping. Where cannabis is legal, you can buy it in many different forms that are considered significantly safer.

To make edibles, cannabis extract oils or butter can be used to cook or bake any number of sweets, savory foods, or even beverages. No smoke means no risk to your lungs.

However, dosing can be tricky. It can take about two hours to notice an edible's effects. It's common for people to think the product isn't working and take more. That can lead to dangerous side effects.

So if you're using edibles, be patient and don't eat more while you're waiting.

Sublingual Forms

Several forms of cannabis products are used sublingually (under the tongue.)

Tinctures are alcohol-based cannabis extractsthat are often cut with hemp oil or CBD (cannabidiol) oil. They can be just as potent as edibles but kick in faster.

You just put a few drops under your tongue and generally feel the effects within 20 minutes. Tinctures should come with a dropper that makes it easier to keep doses consistent.

Other sublingual forms include:

Mouth sprays

Dissolvable tablets

Strips or films

Suppositories

Suppositories are products designed to be inserted into the rectum or vagina, where they release the drug as they dissolve.

Rectal cannabis suppositories are sometimes used to treat:

Vaginal suppositories can also be used to treat:

A benefit of suppositories is that they don't get you high.

Research and the EVALI outbreak suggest that vaping marijuana is dangerous in general and may actually be more dangerous than vaping nicotine products or even smoking cigarettes.

This may, at least in part, be due to ingredients of vape products, including vitamin E acetate, flavorings, and other additives.

Safer ways to consume marijuana include edibles, sublingual products, and suppositories.

A Word From Verywell

If you or someone you know has a marijuana or other substance use disorder (addiction), you have several options for getting help. This includes resources from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

You can:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are CBD vape pens safe for the lungs?

No, the CDC says vaping of any kind can cause or contribute to lung disease. Some cases of the serious lung disease EVALI were linked to vaping CBD oil. CBD products are largely unregulated, so it's possible that the oils contain dangerous substances, as well.

Does vaping cannabis leave a smell?

It depends. Vape cartridges have a faint smell that dissipates quickly. Dry herb vapes have a stronger odor that can linger for about 30 minutes.

If you're concerned about the smell, edibles, sublingual forms (tinctures, films, etc.), and suppositories are all odorless as well as safer for your health.

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Vaping Marijuana: Is It Safer Than Smoking?

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Vaping marijuana is often touted as safer than smoking it. That's because vaporizers heat-but don't burn-herb, oil, or wax forms of marijuana. However, vaping marijuana isn't safe in general, and in some ways, it may be more dangerous than smoking weed. Both smoking and vaping marijuana has generally been considered safer than smoking cigarettes or vaping with nicotine products.

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centers for disease control and prevention

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health and health care (by demographic group)

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us department of health and human services

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Vaping marijuana by teens doubles in last seven years, with potentially harmful consequences, study says | CNN

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Marijuana vaping by teens rose 7-fold in a mere 7 years, with potentially harmful consequences to adolescent health, a new study found.

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SmokeFree.gov

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What We Know About Electronic Cigarettes | Smokefree

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Some people use e-cigaretttes, or e-cigs, to quit smoking. There is still a lot to learn about e-cigarettes and vaping.

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Know the Risks: E-Cigarettes and Young People | U.S. Surgeon General's Report

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No matter how it's delivered, nicotine is harmful for youth and young adults. E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine as well as other chemicals that are known to damage health. For example, users risk exposing their respiratory systems to potentially harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes. Read about these and other risks young people face if they use e-cigarettes.

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Know the Risks: E-cigarettes & Young People | U.S. Surgeon General's Report

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Facts on e-cigarettes, addiction, and how nicotine can harm the developing brain from the U.S. Surgeon General. Risks of use along with resources and actions to help prevent harm to youth and young adults.

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Scholastic Article - The Health Impacts of E-Cigarettes

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Smoking is still the leading cause of death in the US, killing more Americans each year than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, murders, suicides, drugs, and fires combined. So, yeah... a lot of things are safer than smoking.
And "safer than smoking" doesn't make it safe. One JUUL pod contains 20 cigarettes worth of nicotine.*
Nicotine addiction can harm the developing brain in young people, and can cause attention and mood disorders. And since nicotine is highly addictive, the fact that JUUL pods contain a 5% concentrate is pretty concerning.

Plus, good, solid research can take decades to compile, and we just aren't there yet with e-cigs, vapes, and JUUL. We don't know yet the impact these products could have on our health. But what we know so far definitely gives us pause.

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Smoking is still the leading cause of death in the US, killing more Americans each year than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, murders, suicides, drugs, and fires combined. So, yeah... a lot of things are safer than smoking. And "safer than smoking" doesn't make it safe.

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Teen.SmokeFree.Gov

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Tobacco and nicotine are found in more than just cigarettes. Learn more about different tobacco products and why there is no such thing as "safe" tobacco.

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Let's come clean about The Dirty Truth | The Dirty Truth

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We all know smoking is bad for you. But vaping is harmful, too. That's right - you're still breathing in nicotine and other nasty ingredients you may not be aware of.

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The Surgeon General reports e-cigarette use among youth is a significant public health concern and steps must be taken by parents, educators and especially policymakers to discourage use of e-cigarettes. Learn more about e-cigarettes lung health risks and get downloadable resources for parents, schools and teens.

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E-cigarette use among youth is a public health concern and steps must be taken by parents, educators and policymakers to discourage e-cigarette use.

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At My Life, My Quit we share the truth about nicotine, vaping and other tobacco products. If you decide you want to quit, we're here to help you do it successfully. Text "Start My Quit" to 855.891.9989855.891.9989 or call to talk with a coach who is ready to listen and cheer you on.

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What is vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol (often called vapor) produced by an e-cigarette or similar battery-powered device.

What is an e-cigarette?

E-cigarettes are battery-powered vaporizers that simulate the action and sensation of smoking.

What are other names for e-cigarettes?

They are also known as e-cigs, vape pens, e-hookahs, e-pipes, tanks, mods, vapes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, or ENDS, and more. Some people refer to vaping devices by their brand name such as JUUL, BO, Blu, and others.

What types of e-cigarettes are there?

E-cigarettes come in many different sizes, types and colors.

Some e-cigarettes are made to look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some resemble pens, small electronic devices such as USB sticks, and other everyday items. The products that are designed to resemble small electronic devices are often compact and allow for discreet carrying and use - at home, in school hallways and bathrooms, and even in classrooms.

What is in e-cigarettes? My child says it's simply flavored water. What's so bad about it?

E-cigarettes contain pre-filled pods or e-liquids/e-juices the user adds to the device. E-liquids generally consist of propylene glycol, glycerin, water, nicotine, and flavorings. Many of these pods and e-liquids come in fruit and candy flavors that appeal to youth.

E-cigarettes produce an aerosol, commonly called vapor, which users inhale from the device and exhale. The aerosol can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including:

Are e-cigarettes federally regulated?

The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products has the authority to regulate the manufacturing, importing, packaging, labeling, advertising, promotion, sale, and distribution of electronic nicotine delivery systems. The FDA does not have authority to regulate vaping accessories.

Federal law now prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 21.

Are e-cigarettes safe?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, e-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. E-cigarettes have not been approved by the FDA as a smoking cessation device and additional research is needed to help understand long-term health effects of e-cigarette use. As of this publication of this document, the CDC and the FDA are investigating the cause of e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI). For updated information on the lung injury associated with vaping, visit the CDC's website on the topic at http://bit.ly/2s5Hiz0. There can be serious lung issues due to e-cigarette use that are not officially diagnosed as EVALI.

For other known dangers associate with e-cigarette use, see the other sections in FAQ.
Nicotine and addiction
E-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance.

According to the Surgeon General, because the brain isn't fully developed until the mid 20s, youth and young adults are uniquely at risk for long-term, long-lasting effects of exposing their developing brains to nicotine.

These risks include nicotine addiction, mood disorders, and permanent lowering of impulse control. Nicotine also changes the way synapses are formed, which can harm the parts of the brain that control attention and learning.

Teens can get addicted more easily than adults. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products can also prime the adolescent brain for addiction to other drugs such as cocaine.

E-cigarette use among youth and young adults is strongly linked to the use of other tobacco products, such as regular cigarettes, cigars, hookah, and smokeless tobacco.
Other dangers
In addition to nicotine, e-cigarettes contain harmful and potentially harmful chemicals such as ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs; flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds such as benzene, which is found in car exhaust; and heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead.

Due to nicotine content, e-liquids are dangerous to small children and pets. The Massachusetts Attorney General requires that nicotine liquid and gel be sold in appropriate child-resistant packaging.

In addition to chemical contents, defective e-cigarette batteries have caused fires and explosions, some of which have resulted in serious injuries.

Is being around secondhand vape safe?

No. According to the Surgeon General, the aerosol from e-cigarettes is not harmless. It can contain harmful and potentially harmful chemicals, including nicotine; ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs; flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds such as benzene, which is found in car exhaust; and heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead.

Scientists are still working to more fully understand the health effects and harmful doses of e-cigarette contents when they are heated and turned into an aerosol, both for users who inhale from a device and for those who are exposed to the aerosol secondhand.

Can e-cigarettes be used to vape other substances?

Yes. E-cigarettes and other vaping devices can be used to vape other substances, such as marijuana. Open systems require the user to add the e-juice, which can be a substance other than nicotine. Closed systems are generally not refillable because they use pre-filled pods. However, they can also be altered to vape substances other than nicotine.

Where are e-cigarettes sold and how are youth getting them?

Until recently, e-cigarettes were sold in many places including convenience stores, corner stores, gas stations, vape shops, and online. As of November 27, 2019, Massachusetts implemented a new law that restricts where e-cigarettes can be sold. Currently, the sale of all flavored e-cigarettes in Massachusetts is restricted to adult-only (age 21+) smoking bars. The sale of unflavored e-cigarettes with a nicotine content over 35 mg/mL is restricted to adult-only tobacco retail stores or smoking bars. Unflavored e-cigarettes with a nicotine content of 35 mg/mL or less can still be sold in convenience stores, gas stations, liquor stores and other similar businesses, as well as online.

Just like other tobacco and nicotine products, youth may get e-cigarettes from friends who vape or from local or online stores that do not abide by Massachusetts' restrictions on sales. If you wish to report one of these sales violations, call 1-800-992-1895 or contact your local Board of Health.

How old do you have to be to purchase e-cigarettes?

The legal age to buy e-cigarettes and other tobacco products in Massachusetts is 21.

Where can you use e-cigarettes?

As of December 31, 2018, the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited throughout the state in places where smoking is prohibited by the Smoke Free Workplace Law.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), e-cigarettes may not be used or charged on airplanes. In addition, the FAA prohibits the devices in checked bags. E-cigarettes and similar battery powered devices may only be carried in the aircraft cabin (in carry-on baggage or on your person).

How many people use e-cigarettes in Massachusetts?

In 2019, 32% of Massachusetts high school students reported vaping in the past 30 days compared to 5.6% of adults (2018).

51.2% of Massachusetts high school students have tried vaping. In fact, the reported use of e-cigarettes among high school students was higher than for all other tobacco products combined.

What can I do to prevent my child from vaping?

Simply talking with your child about these products can help protect them. Let them know that you care about them and that vaping is not safe.

How can I tell if my child is vaping?

Many types of e-cigarettes are made to resemble everyday items and can easily fit in a pocket or the palm of a hand. In addition, they come in fruit and candy flavors (although these flavors are now restricted in MA). For these reasons, it may be hard to tell if your child is vaping-you may not recognize a vaping device or an e-liquid scent.

Here are subtle signs your child might be vaping:

Unexplained Sweet Scent -If you notice a sweet scent that is unexplainable, it might be a flavored e-juice for a vaping device.

Unfamiliar Products -If you come across unusual looking items such as unusual pens or USB drives or an unfamiliar battery or battery charging device, they could be associated with vaping.

The best way to know is to educate yourself about the products and to talk with your kids.

Nicotine is an addictive substance that impacts the brain and body. Some young people may not realize they are addicted to nicotine. If they experience one or more of the following, they likely are hooked:

Having strong cravings to vape/use tobacco

Feeling nervous or anxious when they can't vape/use tobacco

Vaping in places they aren't supposed to (going out of their way to vape/use tobacco)

Having trouble concentrating

Feeling like they need to vape/use tobacco to feel better

Feeling angry, irritable or restless when they haven't vaped/used tobacco in a while

What if my child is vaping? How can I help them quit?

Quitting vapes or other tobacco products can be hard. Here are some ways to help young people get the support they need:

This is Quitting powered by truth® is a free and confidential texting program for young people who vape. Young people can text "VapeFreeMass" to 88709 to get started.

My Life, My Quit TM has youth coach specialists trained to help young people by phone or text. Young people can call or text "Start My Quit" to 855-891-9989 for free and confidential help or visit mylifemyquit.com to sign up online.

Smokefree Teen (teen.smokefree.gov) is part of the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Smokefree.gov Initiative. Services offered include text messaging and a quitSTART app that provides strategies for tackling cravings, bad moods, and other situations.

Young people can ask for help from their school nurse or counselor, athletic coach, doctor, parent, or other trusted adult.

For more information, young people can visit mass.gov/vaping.

What if I use tobacco or have in the past?

Be honest and talk with your child about your choices and how hard it is/was to quit.

If you need help quitting tobacco, it's never too late to keep trying.
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit makesmokinghistory.org/quit-now for information and support.
Other sources include:

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Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol (often called vapor) produced by an e-cigarette or similar battery-powered device. E-cigarettes are battery-powered vaporizers that simulate the action and sensation of smoking. They are also known as e-cigs, vape pens, e-hookahs, e-pipes, tanks, mods, vapes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, or ENDS, and more.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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What’s the bottom line on the risks of e-cigarettes? Get the facts now.

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E-cigarettes: Facts, stats and regulations

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What is an e-cigarette? How much nicotine is in an e-cigarette? Are e-cigarettes as harmful as cigarettes? This Truth Initiative fact sheet answers these questions and more.