Background

posted on Jul 30, 2019

Vaping, or vaporization, typically utilizes an e-cigarette device. These devices are also called electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) when used with nicotine-concentrated oils. These devices have a variety of names and brands, including Vape Pens, MODS, JUULs, and can mimic pipes, cigars, cigarettes, fountain pens, and external memory sticks.
Nicotine solutions can have a large range of concentrations (0-100 mg/ml), flavoring chemicals (fruit, candy, mint, etc.), and other ingredients (propylene glycol/glycerin).
Concentrated marijuana products, such as hash oil and waxes, and other traditionally smoked illicit drugs can also be vaped, including cathinones (“bath salts”, “flakka”), synthetic cannabinoids (“spice”, “k2”), and other hallucinogens [1].
Advertising and public exposure of adolescents to e-cigarette use is rampant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found significant exposure to advertising from at least one source of media to adolescents, which increased every year from 68.9% (18.3 million) to 78.2% (20.5 million). In 2016/2017, there were over 400 e-cigarette websites, and over 7000 unique flavors [2].