The Berrien County Health Department has recently launched a new campaign to tackle the escalating issue of teen marijuana vaping. According to the department's prevention supervisor Lisa Peeples-Hurst, alarming statistics from recent surveys indicate that more than one in seven Berrien County teens have admitted to using marijuana in the past 30 days.
Escalating Vaping Trend: Peeples-Hurst emphasizes that teen marijuana consumption has extended beyond traditional smoking methods, with many adolescents now opting for vaping. This modern trend involves modifying electronic vape cartridges to incorporate marijuana, a process commonly known as 'dabbing.' By heating marijuana resin, individuals can achieve the desired effects.
Youth Intervention Program: The health department's intervention initiative, Youth Intervene, is designed to support teenagers who have encountered legal issues due to substance abuse. Remarkably, a considerable number of these adolescents have been identified as marijuana users who favor vaping. Peeples-Hurst acknowledges the difficulty in detecting vaped marijuana, as the distinct odor may be less potent compared to other consumption methods.
Educational Campaign: Through the upcoming summer and fall seasons, the health department will team up with the Voice Change Hope Alliance to raise awareness among individuals aged 12 to 20 regarding the hazards associated with marijuana use. Of particular concern is the adverse impact on brain development, as there is a concerning trend of substance experimentation commencing as early as age 11. Fortunately, the consumption of fentanyl among youth in Southwest Michigan remains uncommon, with alcohol and marijuana ranking as the top two substances of choice for teens.