HEALTH

1 in 5 high school seniors admits to vaping marijuana

Dec 18, 2019, 11:48 AM

vape addiction vaping marijuana...

In this Wednesday, April 11, 2018 photo, an unidentified 15-year-old high school student displays a vaping device near the school's campus in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Utah health officials are worried about the growing numbers of teens who are vaping marijuana.

A new national survey says 21% of high school seniors vaped marijuana this year, and 14% did it in the last month. That’s a big jump from last year when 7.5% copped to vaping marijuana in the previous month.

“These products can be highly addictive, and you really don’t know what is getting into these products in some cases,” said Ryan Bartlett with Utah’s Tobacco Prevention and Control program. “With marijuana, for example, vitamin E acetate was added to those products, and that’s something we have found is very damaging to the lungs.”

The same survey from the University of Michigan for the National Institute on Drug Abuse also found that about 25% of high school seniors reported vaping nicotine in the past month.

12% said they did so daily, and about 8% said they did it because they were hooked.

“We are seeing more youth and young adults in Utah use these open system vape products, where they can fill the e-liquid themselves. And that’s concerning to us because you are never exactly sure what is in those products,” said Bartlett.

Bartlett says it is encouraging, however, to see more people call the quitline (1-800-Quit-Now), during all these cases of lung disease and deaths. He says they will continue to press their message that vaping any product is harmful to youth and young adults.

They are also looking at what programs have worked in other states to spread the message not to start vaping, or how to quit.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Health

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

How, and why, a hobby can bring joy to your life

If it brings you pleasure, is meaningful, and you can do it regularly, you've got yourself a hobby! Here's why they can benefit us so much.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Utah clinics winning the fight against overprescribed antibiotics

Intermountain Health and the University of Utah found that urgent-care facilities were more likely to prescribe antibiotics as a quick, easy solution.

11 months ago

Utah Food Bank...

Allessandra Harris

Utah Food Bank aims to ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ this summer

The Utah Food Bank is joining forces with the Letter Carriers Union to collect non-perishable food items for those in need.

11 months ago

...

LEANNE ITALIE AP Entertainment Writer

Mommy blogger Heather Armstrong, known as Dooce to fans, dead at 47

Armstrong had laid bare her struggles as a mother and her battles with depression and alcoholism on her site, Dooce.com, and on social media since 2001.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

1 in 5 high school seniors admits to vaping marijuana