A concern for adolescents and young adults is using marijuana in a vape device. Selling equipment to vape marijuana in dab (concentrated wax-like substance) or oil or leaf form is a booming business with many new players.

For example, Pax Labs, formerly Ploom, was founded in 2007 and is a relatively well-known brand for vaping dry leaf marijuana. The company has introduced the Pax 3, which they describe as the “Apple iPhone” of vaporizers as it allows you to vape both dry leaf and wax concentrates. It includes a free Android or iOS app to control temperature, play free games, manage firmware and lock the device.

In California, a company called EAZE sells disposable all-in-one marijuana vape pens and cartridges. Flavors include Blueberry Kush, Lemon OG and Mango Passion Fruit.They market these as wellness products with advertising that reads, “Hello Marijuana, Goodbye Insomnia” or “Hello Marijuana, Goodbye Hangover”.

Juul can also be used to vape marijuana; however, it should be noted that as of now, Juul does not offer marijuana products. The device has to be hacked in order to use it with THC Oils. There are also companies making pods that fit a Juul so a THC oil pod may be in the future.

According to the CDC, marijuana use may have long-lasting or permanent effects on the developing adolescent brain. NEGATIVE EFFECTS include:

• Difficulty with critical thinking skills like attention, problem-solving and memory
• Impaired reaction time and coordination, especially as it relates to driving
• Decline in school performance
• Increased risk of mental health issues including depression or anxiety, and in some cases, psychosis where there is a family history

Research also shows that about 1 in 6 teens who repeatedly use marijuana can become addicted, as compared to 1 in 9 adults. Further, kids who vape are more likely to use combustible cigarettes and try marijuana than their non-vaping peers.