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“Research examining mental health determinants of cannabis vaping is scant. This study investigated the relationship between psychological distress and cannabis vaping among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adolescents.

Data are from the cross-sectional 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey, restricted to adolescents ages 11–18 (n=22,202). Psychological distress was categorized as normal, mild, moderate, and severe according to the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety-4. Cannabis vaping was defined as any use in the past 30 days.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine, March 2024. Volume 66, Issue 3, 534 – 539

https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(23)00430-0/abstract

Nearly 8% of adolescents vaped cannabis in the past 30 days, and 25.6% reported moderate or severe psychological distress. Mild, moderate, and severe psychological distress were associated with cannabis vaping in the unadjusted model. In the adjusted model, the odds of cannabis vaping were higher among adolescents who had severe psychological distress (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.09–1.96) compared to adolescents with no distress. Older age, poor grades, family smoking/vaping, nicotine vaping, other tobacco use, and blunt use were also associated with cannabis vaping.”

Authors Conclude: “Severe psychological distress was associated with past 30-day cannabis vaping among U.S. adolescents. Adolescents experiencing psychological distress need to be screened for cannabis vaping to help prevent and reduce use and promote mental health.”
TRC Research Commentary
Rossheim ME, et al. Intoxicating Cannabis Products in Vape Shops: United States, 2023
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, November 2024. Volume 67, Issue 5, 776 – 784

https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(24)00229-0/abstract

“In November–December 2023, researchers systematically identified, called, and completed brief surveys with 520 U.S. vape shops, ten shops in each state/district jurisdiction.

A total of 74% of vape shops sold any intoxicating cannabis products. Intoxicating cannabis products were sold in 43% of shops in states with delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol bans, 53% in states with substantial regulations (intended to support safe use), 90% in states with significant restrictions (intended to limit potency/availability), and 92% in states with limited/no regulations. Intoxicating cannabis products were sold in vape shops in each state except Washington and Alaska, both of which banned hemp-derived intoxicating cannabis products and had active retail of legalized nonmedical cannabis.

Taking licensed dispensaries into consideration, intoxicating cannabis products can be purchased in retail stores located in all 50 states, Washington, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Intoxicating cannabis products are widely available in vape shops, even in most states with relevant bans/restrictions. Enhanced laws, surveillance, and enforcement are needed. The 2024 Farm Bill and state laws should explicitly prohibit hemp-derived intoxicating cannabis products.”
Comment: Authors call for a prohibition of hemp-derived intoxicating cannabis products. Stephen Hamann