Long-term effects of vapes are still unknown. It is difficult to know the outcomes and risks of using vapes over the long period.
Detailed information on vaping and its role in stop smoking has been prepared by the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH). View the ADPH South East Position statement on vaping.
Children and young people
Children and young people are particularly vulnerable. There is clear advice that vapes should not be used by children and young people.
Vaping products should not be sold or given to anyone under the age of 18. The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 prohibits vapes and e-cigarettes to be sold or given to anyone under the age of 18.
The use of any type of vape can increase young people’s exposure to harmful chemicals. Reported side effects of using any vape include:
- vomiting
- nausea
- coughing
- shortness of breath
- mouth irritation
- asthma
- defective products may catch fire or explode, leading to burns and injuries
It is important to prevent children and young people from using vapes due to the unknown longer-term harms of vaping and the risk of nicotine addiction.
Nicotine
Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical, can be found in most vapes.
It can affect brain development in young people and may impact their learning, memory and concentration. It can affect mood, causing anxiety and depression. It can also lead to addiction and physical dependence. Children and young people may become dependent on nicotine quicker than adults.
Risks of illegal vapes - cannabis
Young people may be able to access vapes containing cannabis-like substances.
These vapes can contain a number of harmful chemicals that are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971), including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Any product containing THC is illegal in the UK.
Effects of THC
THC is a psychoactive compound in cannabis and can make people feel a range of effects. These may include:
- paranoia
- nausea
- hyperactivity
- hallucinations
- panic attacks
- impaired mobility
- elevated heart rate
- cough or shortness of breath
- chest pains
The quantity and strength of THC found in these illegal vape products varies greatly.
It is important to note that THC is different to cannabidiol (CBD), which is the non-psychoactive chemical compound and does not have the same effect.
Some people vape cannabis because they don’t want to smoke. But vaping an oil or other liquid that you think is cannabis is risky. There have been several reports of people being hospitalised after doing so.
However you take it, THC (the part of the cannabis plant that makes people feel ‘high’) can cause you problems, including with your mental health.
As with swallowing cannabis edibles, vaping ‘cannabis’ can make the effects more unpredictable. That’s because it may be stronger than expected, or it may contain something much more harmful than THC like synthetic cannabinoids. The effects can be unpleasant or even dangerous, especially when people have a few puffs quickly before they know how strong it is, or what effect it’s having on them.
Getting help
If a young person is known to have used a vape containing THC or another illegal substance, monitor for symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if you have concerns about their health. Use 111 online or call 999 in an emergency.
If you have used cannabis in a vape and start to feel unwell, take time out to look after yourself and ask for help if you need it. If the problem doesn't improve or is getting worse, you should seek medical help by calling 111.
Local support and information
You can find support and information using the following websites:
- Bracknell Forest Thrive! - information and guidance on children and young people’s health and wellbeing
- Youthline - free, confidential and client-centred counselling for young people at secondary school and adults who care for and support young people in Bracknell Forest - they offer in person, online and telephone counselling
- Kooth - free, digital, emotional wellbeing and counselling service available to young people aged 10 to 25 across East Berkshire
- Smoke Free Teen - advice on quitting vaping for young people including tips to deal with cravings, understanding triggers and managing anxiety, stress and the cost of vaping
- ChatHealth - free and confidential text messaging service for parents and young people, putting you in contact with a local school nurse for advice and information
- Vapes at FRANK
- New Hope - a substance misuse service for young people and adults
- Bracknell Forest Youth Services - preventative teaching and support to enhance and compliment substance misuse curriculum already delivered in schools