From Our Team

THC vaping in teens is rising at a frightening rate

Posted on January 14, 2020 by Enrique Mata

Parents, grandparents, and caregivers need to be aware of a growing problem youth are facing today. The rise in Tetrahydrocannabinol oil (THC) vaping. According to the County of El Paso Juvenile Probation Department, the number of youth between the ages of 10 and 16 charged with THC possession increased from 16 cases in 2017 to a frightening 248 cases in 2019.

Why is the increase in THC possession so frightening? Persons caught in possession of THC in Texas may face felony charges, that could lead to fines, probation or jail time. In some cases, parents can also be charged and punished. According to Ms. Emily Dawson, Assistant County Attorney and Juvenile Unit Trial Team Chief, “youth need to understand that a FELONY drug conviction or adjudication can affect their future life changes including; college acceptance, military recruitment, scholarship applications, employment, residency status, etc.”

THC oil is made from the marijuana (cannabis) plant. It is usually a thick and sticky oil with a golden or brown color that is typically found in glass “cartridges” about two inches long. Some people refer to this substance as “wax, butter or shatter.”

Unfortunately, the latest vape devices have a stealth look. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers need to pay close attention to everyday objects youth may carry like USB’s, pens, hooded sweatshirts and even watches. Vape devices can look like any of these items and they can be used to vape THC without anyone noticing.

The health risks associated with THC vaping cannot be ignored. As of December 3, 2019, the CDC reported forty-eight (48) deaths in 25 states and Washington D.C., and a total of 2,291 people hospitalized due to e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injuries.

Legal consequences associated with THC possession can include:

• For youth under 17 years of age, loss of freedoms including; 5:00 pm curfew, house arrest, electronic (ankle) monitoring, intensive supervised probation, or even commitment to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or a residential treatment center.
• Individuals who are 17 years of age or older could serve 180 days to two years of jail time for possession of less than one gram or two to ten years of jail time for possession of one to four grams. A standard THC cartridge typically holds one gram.

Middle and high school years are a special time for youth. Let’s work together to help ensure that they are involved in healthful activities and always have a trusted adult to talk with about serious problems. Take time to have a conversation with them about the growing problem of THC Vaping. To help with the conversation, the Paso del Norte Health Foundation and the El Paso Behavioral Health Consortium developed informational resources about the health and legal dangers of THC vaping. These resources can be downloaded from www.healthypasodelnorte.org/thcvaping.

Enrique Mata is a Senior Program Officer for the Paso del Norte Heath Foundation. He leads the Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being Priority Area.

Enrique Mata

Enrique joined the Health Foundation in 2001. He leads the Mental and Emotional Well-Being Priority Area and has more than 15 years experience in health philanthropy including designing, implementing, and evaluating Collective Impact initiatives. Enrique also maintains skill sets in clinical nursing practice, healthcare revenue cycle management, and commercial property management. He thrives on leveraging resources and building collaboration to make lasting health improvements for the region. A native of El Paso, Enrique holds a Master of Science in public health and a Bachelor of Science in nursing. He also holds certifications from the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an advanced public health nurse and advanced nurse executive.