Health News

Marijuana, E-Cigs: Study Finds The Dangers Elude Teens

Marijuana E-Cigs

Teens understand the dangers of smoking cigarettes, but lack education when it comes to the dangers of marijuana and electronic cigarettes, according to a new study.

Researchers behind the study conducted discussions with 24 teens from a school in Northern California known for its high rates of substance abuse.

The study’s senior author, Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, PhD, a professor of pediatrics in adolescent medicine, said that while kids are definitely getting the message that cigarettes are bad, “we need to do a better job with other products that teens may smoke.”

We’re good at delivering messaging that cigarettes are harmful, but we need to do a better job with other products that teens may smoke. We don’t want the message kids get to be ‘cigarettes are bad, so everything else might be OK’.

The teens in the study were asked what positive and negative affects they were aware of concerning cigarettes, e-cigs, and marijuana. They were also asked to discuss where they learned about these products, and why a person might choose one over another, reports Science 2.0.

The teens had no problems coming up with the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes; including yellow teeth, bad breath, and cancer. The only benefit mentioned was that cigarettes may help some people relax.

On the other hand, the teens in the discussion had no difficulty listing the benefits of smoking marijuana. The benefits listed included relieving stress or pain, relaxing, and getting high. The teens listed off getting into trouble because of the illegal aspect and getting into dangerous situations while under the influence as the downsides of the drug. None of the teens could list off health risks.

In a similar vein, the teens were confused about whether e-cigs are harmful. Many of the teens were uncertain if e-cigarettes contain nicotine, while others insisted smoking e-cigs looks “classy.” None of the teens were aware that e-cigarettes can be just as dangerous to your health as regular cigarettes.

According to Reuters, many of the teens also said “e-cigarettes might help you quit smoking regular cigarettes.”

Stanton A. Glantz, director of the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education at USCF, feels that ignorance about the dangers of e-cigs and marijuana leads to the use of said products among teens. “It shouldn’t be illegal, but people shouldn’t be using them.”

(. . . )the right way to think about it is like cigarettes. It shouldn’t be illegal, but people shouldn’t be using them.

Glantz added, “People need to know that these things are not harmless.”

Click to comment
To Top

Hi - We Would Love To Keep In Touch

If you liked this article then please consider joing our mailing list to receive the latest news, updates and opportunities from our team.

We don't want an impostor using your email address so please look for an email from us and click the link to confirm your email address.