Teen Cannabis Vaping: New Trends and Real Risks Exposed

New Study Shows More Teens Are Vaping THC, CBD, and Synthetics — Many Don’t Know What’s Inside

A new national study¹ has found that more U.S. adolescents are vaping THC, CBD, and synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) than in recent years, and a growing number say they are not sure what substances they are actually using.

The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, looked at data from nearly 70,000 U.S. middle- and high-school students (aged 11–18) who participated in the National Youth Tobacco Survey between 2021 and 2023.  The findings showed clear increases in teen vaping of these substances and highlight growing confusion about what is actually in the products they inhale.

Vaping Trends: A Breakdown

The study estimated that in 2023, about 7.4% of adolescents—roughly 2.5 million teens—reported vaping THC in the past 30 days.  Another 2.9% (around 999,000) said they vaped CBD, while 1.8% (620,000) reported using synthetic cannabinoids, which are lab-made chemicals designed to mimic THC’s effects but often bind more strongly to brain receptors.

Perhaps more worrying is the number of teens who reported not knowing what they were vaping.  Between 2021 and 2023, the share of students who answered “don’t know” when asked if they had vaped SCs more than doubled.  Researchers found similar increases for uncertainty around THC and CBD.

The Special Concern About Synthetic Cannabinoids

Unlike plant-based cannabis compounds, SCs can be unpredictable and can result in more potent reactions.  Studies have shown they can lead to intense intoxication, psychiatric symptoms, or even serious physical harm.  Because these substances are often purchased from unregulated sources, it is difficult for users, especially teens, to know what they are getting.

As lead author Jack Chung explained, the continued rise in SCs’ use is especially concerning.  These products are commonly sold through informal markets, with no quality controls or reliable labeling.  Once teens start vaping, they may experience effects far stronger than they expect.

This echoes findings from other cannabis-related studies, which have highlighted how a lack of consistent labeling standards can put consumers at risk, especially young people who may believe that all cannabis products are the same.

Younger Teens and Gender Differences

The study also found notable differences by age and gender.  Vaping rates for THC and SCs doubled between 2021 and 2023 among younger adolescents aged 11–13.  Overall, females reported higher rates of vaping than males did for all three substance categories.

This pattern may reflect the role of social influence and online marketing.  Other studies have pointed out how branding and influencer content can normalize vaping and cannabis use for teens. For example, we recently covered a study that looked at how colorful branding of cannabis edibles can appeal to youth. This dynamic also appears to apply to vaping products.

Broader Context: Vaping vs. Other Use

The research team noted that teens who vape cannabis products report more mental health symptoms compared to peers who use more traditional forms of cannabis, like smoking dried flower.  Vaping can deliver higher-potency doses quickly, which may increase the risk of dependence or negative psychological effects.

At the same time, other data suggest that teen cannabis use overall has not surged everywhere in response to legalization.  For example, a recent study found that youth substance use in some parts of Canada actually declined after cannabis legalization, likely because regulated markets can displace black market sales and limit underage access to some extent.  But vaping appears to be an exception, in part because these products are small, discreet, and easily shared through social networks.

Unregulated Markets and Mixed Messaging

The study authors warn that the rapid spread of these vaping trends shows how fast the product landscape can change.  Many young people get their vape cartridges through friends, older peers, or online channels.  This makes it harder to keep dangerous or mislabelled products out of circulation.

It also raises questions about the role of messaging.  Some teens may believe that vaping is a safer or more discreet way to use cannabis.  As covered in a piece on generational consumption trends, different age groups have different reasons for choosing cannabis products, including self-medication for stress or pain.  But with vaping, potency and purity can vary wildly, especially when synthetics are involved.

How to Prevent Risky Teen Vaping

Experts say the findings highlight the need for clearer education about what vaping actually entails.  Scare tactics alone are unlikely to be effective when many teens obtain information from peers and social media.  Instead, health educators and families can focus on explaining the differences between THC, CBD, and synthetics, and why knowing what is in your vape matters.

Key Takeaways on Teen Vaping Risks

This new data shows that while youth cannabis use trends may not be skyrocketing everywhere, vaping deserves close attention.  The increasing use of synthetic cannabinoids and the uncertainty around what teens are inhaling highlight real risks for adolescent mental and physical health.

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