Now Trending Among Teens

Here is a trend to “be in the know” about, especially if you are a parent, grandparent or someone who has an invested interest in kids. It’s the widely popular trend of teen vaping. It has become an epidemic in the US and teens are being marketed with the flavors and discreet devices called Electronic Nicotine Devices. The electronic cigarettes or e-cigs are battery-operated devices that turn nicotine or other chemicals into a vapor that is inhaled by the user. Devices look like pens, USB drives, phone chargers, etc. They are a big hit with teens with thousands of fun flavors like cotton candy, vanilla, gummi bear, creme brulee, strawberry and one of the most popular flavors; “mango.” In 2014, 81% of current youth e-cig users cited the availability of appealing flavors as primary reason for use.

Many teens do not believe e-cigs contain nicotine. When asked what is in their e-cig, 66% thought just flavoring. One very popular device is called a Juul (pronounced jewel). 63% of Juul users don’t know the product always contains nicotine. Another startling fact is that 30% of teen e-cig users start smoking cigarettes within 6 months

How do they obtain e-cigs? Actually, it is quite simple: Visa gift cards and an Amazon account = purchase. I can get a Juul starter kit for under $40.

Let’s up the game here. I can also use these devices to vape marijuana oil concentrate with little to no marijuana scent and no smoke. As the name suggests, they produce a vapor that quickly dissipates. Yes, I can get high in the next room or just outside the door and you will never know. The THC content (the active ingredient that causes the high) in the 1960-1970s was about 2-3% THC. Today the oil or concentrate can be anywhere from 70-90% pure THC.

Want to be in the know and find out more about this and other teen drug trends? You are invited to “be in the know” and join the Way Out West Coalition (WOW Coalition) at one of our upcoming community events throughout Buckeye These are one-hour session full of information you can immediately apply. The evening includes a question and answer session. We love answering all of your questions and want you to be in the know, so be sure to make a note of all your burning questions! At the end of the session you will be able to say. “Yes, I have seen the hand!” So, join us and let’s Get in the Way together.

Upcoming Events

Verrado Area

Thursday,  March 21         6 – 7 p.m.

Center on Main

4239 N Village St,  Buckeye,  AZ 85396

Westpark Area

Thursday,  March 28         6 – 7 p.m.

WestPark Elementary

2700 S. 257th Drive,  Buckeye,  AZ 85326

Lower & Historic Buckeye Area

Tuesday,  April 2         6 – 7 p.m.

Buckeye Elementary School

211 S. 7th Street,  Buckeye,  Arizona 85326

Tartesso, Tonopah and Saddle Mountain School District

Thursday,  April 4        6 – 7 p.m.

Tartesso Elementary School

29677 W Indianola Ave,  Buckeye,  Arizona

Sundance Area

Tuesday,  April 30       6 – 7 p.m.

Sundance Active Adult Community Center

930 S. Sundance Parkway,  Buckeye,  Arizona