Teen THC Vaping on the Rise: Solutions Beyond Government Regulations

Teen vaping of marijuana doubled between 2013 and 2020, according to a new study. In addition to harmful side effects, these trends are compounding problems that governments and businesses are already struggling with among the legal cannabis-consuming population. Fortunately, new technologies could be on the way to help detect and deter illegal use.

Let’s look at the growing teen vaping epidemic and how governments and how Cannabix Technologies Inc.’s (CSE: BLO) (OTC: BLOZF) technology could offer a solution.

Vaping on the Rise

According to a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics, teen vaping of marijuana doubled between 2013 and 2020, while the number of adolescents saying they vaped cannabis within the last 30 days rose 7-fold. The researchers see a shift in preference from dry herb to cannabis oil products that can contain much higher levels of THC.

Since marijuana is illegal at the federal level, many cannabis oil products are not subject to regulation. The CDC recently reported an outbreak of more than 2,800 lung injury cases, including 68 deaths, from e-cigarettes and vaping products between 2019 and 2020. Many of these products were THC cartridges containing Vitamin E acetate.

In addition to the harmful side effects, the growing cannabis usage by teens could impact future drivers and workers. For example, marijuana slows reaction time, impairs the judgment of time and distance, and decreases coordination, creating potentially dangerous situations behind the wheel or operating heavy machinery at a worksite.

Government Regulations

The FDA took some action on the matter by rejecting more than a million e-cigarette and related products in September, saying they appeal to underage teen users. While the move effectively took thousands of products off the market, the agency delayed its decision on most of the largest vaping companies, including Juul and a handful of others.

Last month, the agency authorized R.J. Reynolds Vuse as the first e-cigarette approved for marketing in the United States. The FDA said that the company submitted data showing that its products helped smokers quit or significantly reduce the use of their cigarettes. But, the agency noted that it rejected ten other requests for flavored products.

In addition to banning many e-cigarettes, the FDA strengthened its warnings to the public about using THC-containing vaping products and any products obtained off the street. And finally, it also continues to monitor samples sent in by state and local authorities to determine cannabinoid levels along with any harmful additives.

Investing in Solutions

Legalizing cannabis on a state level means that there will likely always be a market for THC-containing vape products, along with various other forms of cannabis. Like alcohol and other harmful drugs, enforcement may ultimately rely on detection and deterrence, particularly when driving or operating heavy machinery in a workplace environment.

The challenge is detecting cannabis consumption during peak impairment. While alcohol has a short half-life, THC remains present in urine for one month and hair follicles for up to three months. Breathalyzers that detect consumption within one to three hours of use are the ideal solution, and present a more fair and relevant drug screening method.

Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CSE: BLO) (OTC: BLOZF) is quickly developing cannabis breathalyzer technologies to address these challenges. In addition to securing patents on its unique approaches, its advanced prototypes are already in beta testing in real-world situations.

Looking Ahead

Teen marijuana vaping is a growing problem in the U.S., but regulations alone aren’t enough to solve the problem. With the Cannabix breathalyzer, police, workplaces, and schools could test for recent THC consumption and implement deterrence programs to stop teen usage before it grows into a bigger problem or harms their long-term health.

Investors may want to take a closer look at Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CSE: BLO) (OTC: BLOZF) given its leadership position in the cannabis breathalyzer space. With products already in beta testing, shareholders could see near-term catalysts upon commercialization and long-term growth potential as governments struggle to overcome these challenges.

For more information, visit the company’s website.

Disclaimer

The above article is sponsored content. CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, have been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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About Ryan Allway

Mr. Allway has over a decade of experience in the financial markets as both a private investor and financial journalist. He has been actively involved in the cannabis industry since its inception, covering public and private companies.