Vaping and marijuana use has become a popular activity in the modern day. Similar to cigarettes, vaping is a portable nicotine which is inhaled by the mouth. It comes in many different flavors and additives. This product has taken over the retail of cigarettes. In 1913, Camel released the highest dose of concentrated nicotine at the time that was believed to be too harsh for the lungs. This particular cigarette was made with burley tobacco and can be easily inhaled through addiction.
Youth and young adults are the main consumers of vaping and marijuana use. A societal trend that turns to an addiction. As 2021 survey results show, the highest e-cigarette usage amongst adults was ages 18-24.
When and why do people start to vape?
Gen Z seems to be the main consumers of electronic cigarettes and marijuana use. Young adults to middle schoolers are the main targets for smoking. Some say that children vape and smoke weed because of boredom. Research says, “Students would frequently share devices with others, and some perceived vaping as a way to connect or bond with their peers.”
It is common for adolescents to be introduced to vaping/smoking from their peers. Their first time is usually with a group of friends that offer them these substances.
Isadora Tica is a Hunter Student in the Fine Arts major. She started vaping in the seventh grade. Tica mentions that she grew up around people that smoked cigarettes, which influenced her. “When you start so young it becomes a very crucial part of your identity,” she says. Tica smokes cigarettes as a way to self soothe because growing up she didn’t learn healthy coping mechanisms.
What are the signs of vaping addiction?
Signs of vaping addiction can be feeling irritable, reaching for imagery vapes, feeling frustrated when vape goes missing, interrupting the day to vape, and feeling bad about needing to vape.
Kaytlin Carlo, is a graduate student from York College. She vapes and smokes marijuana on a daily basis. When asked about going a day without her vape, Carlo claims “I think I could but I know I will be struggling and reaching for the vape because it’s like a habit. It’s like a muscle memory.” She expresses that when she does not have her vape she is irritable and craves nicotine. She often finds herself reaching in her pocket for the vape when it’s not there.
Ashanti Felix is a nursing student at LaGuardia Community College. She vapes everyday and is many times anxious without her vape. She states “I definitely can go a day or two without it but I’ll still be thinking about it in the back of my mind.” Felix says if she is going through a stressful situation she often wishes she had her vape to calm herself down.
Has vaping and smoking become a societal norm?
When asked if vaping/smoking has become a social norm Felix states, “Yes Definitely. Mostly everybody does either one or both and they start off from a very young age.” Felix sees children smoking from ages 12 and up.
John Paul Lara is a sophomore majoring in Film at Hunter College. He is Vice President of Hunter Hero Comics and a student Event Coordinator. Lara says, “Especially with weed being legalized in New York, It has become such a normal part of life, that it’s strange sometimes to not see people not smoking.” It seems as if everyone vapes and smokes marijuana. After speaking with several people, they all concluded that smoking is in fact a societal norm and it is unusual for a person to not be seen smoking or vaping.
A research article study shows the results of cannabis and electronic cigarettes in the last 12 months for different age groups. It was reported that substance use decreased among older groups. It mentions, “For adolescents, cannabis vaping is significantly associated with past 12-month use of alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, other tobacco products, and e-cigarettes.”
Does college cause students to vape?
Pre-Health Advisor Nina Ledis Cannon says she does not approve of students vaping and smoking on campus. “I know vaping even though it may not be harmful in terms of the chemicals that are in cigarettes but I believe there is an extremely high rate of addiction.” Cannon says students typically vape and smoke during busy school weeks because it’s a way to relieve stress. She suggests healthier ways to relieve stress such as walking, exercise and meditating.
Hunter College drug and alcohol policy explains students who offer another student any substance will receive a warning for first time offense. The second attempt will result in separation from the college.
