Research Shows Rapid Rise in Vaping and Marijuana Use in Young Adults

Although cigarette smoking has been on the decline for a decade, two trends have become popular with young adults between the ages of 18 and 25: electronic cigarettes and marijuana. Findings from a study led by the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Health Policy Research highlight the need for new policies to make these products less desirable. The policy brief shows vaping surged by 48% from 2017 to 2018 among young adults, while marijuana use increased by 19% during the same timeframe. Researchers also found 48% of e-cigarette users, 40% of marijuana users, and 28% of cigarette smokers were between 18 and 20—underscoring the need to educate this population about the health consequences of tobacco and marijuana use.

From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. December 2020;18(11):11.