Background

E-cigs have been around for years, and while there is not much science to back its safety in the long term, they have been proven to be substantially safer than traditional cigarettes in the short term. While there has been a significant uprise in teen and young adult usage, along with it, an increase in vaping marijuana.

What the CDC says.

Now THC is not legal in many parts of the United States. It is the lack of legality that may be the reason it is so dangerous. Outside of a reputable facility, there is no regulation on these products. Often people without access to legal marijuana, may not know what they are vaping at all. Nicotine vape may see similar consequences soon.

The CDC has now admitted that the majority of the cases have involved THC products. Those numbers are expected to be even higher, due to the nature of illicit drug use, and reluctance of patients to come forward. It is suspected that nearly all cases can be attributed to the black market or street substances, not regulated by the FDA.

Yet, several states and political leaders have suggested a ban of e-cigarettes altogether, ignoring the link to THC. Massachusetts and New York, among others, have already executed their own bans on some products.

Quitting may lead to regular cigarette use.

The attack on nicotine devices originally meant to help smokers quit is problematic and could lead to the use of traditional cigarettes instead. Alyssa, a 19-year-old college student, said "[she] had never thought about smoking cigarettes until now. [she is] scared of all the news about juuling, but [she is] not ready to quit" so cigarettes may be the alternative. She shares a mindset many young adults may have. A common sentiment is that they don't plan on vaping for more than a few years, and that may apply to cigarettes too. Although we know that that is very unlikely.

It may counterintuitive, but the restriction of vaping devices may push users to take up smoking traditional cigarettes. We already know that e-cigarette users are "4x more likely to start smoking cigarettes," so why make it an easier decision to do so.

Some people are skeptical.

Steven, an e-cigarette user for 4 years, is among many of the population who do not believe the news about vaping. The over zealous and Ill directed work of politicians, likely fueled the disconnect with consumers. He believes that the recent political moves are just that, political. "I don't think they are being truthful with us. They are attacking something that has helped me, and many others. I think that this is all happening because of fake products and things people buy off the streets."

If that is true, and it seems that it may be according to the CDC, then the attack on regulated products may make it worse. As individuals seek to get their products one way or another, they may be unknowingly consuming the dangerous products that caused all of this. "Most people won't quit, they will find a way to get what they want," says Steven.