SAFE GC Coalition: NIDA Reports Flavored Marijuana Vapes Becoming New Face of Teen Drug Use

Flavored marijuana vaping is now the most common form of use among American teenagers who vape cannabis, according to new findings from the University of Michigan’s annual Monitoring the Future surveys. Monitoring the Future (MTF) is one of the nation’s most relied upon scientific sources of valid information on trends in use of licit and illicit psychoactive drugs by U.S. adolescents, college students, young adults, and adults up to age 60. MTF is conducted each year by researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health and has been doing so since 1975.

The MTF survey is given annually to students in eighth, 10th, and 12th grades who self-report their substance use behaviors over various time periods, such as past 30 days, past 12 months, and lifetime. The survey also documents students’ perception of harm, disapproval of use, and perceived availability of drugs.

The 2025 survey found particularly sharp increases among younger teens between 2021 and 2024. Among eighth graders who vaped marijuana, the percentage using flavored solutions jumped from 47% in 2021 to 63% in 2024. The trend was similar for older students, with use climbing from 41% to 53% for 10th graders and from 36% to 50% for 12th graders.

Researchers maintain these findings suggest that vape products are gaining traction among youth; in fact, since the pandemic onset in 2020 youth appear to be turning toward these products while reducing their use of all other drugs. The overall percentage of marijuana users who chose to vape the drug also grew over the study period. Among eighth graders who had used marijuana in the past 12 months, the percentage who vaped it increased from 48% to 57%. In 10th grade, the number went from 60% to 66%, and among 12th graders, it rose from 58% to 67%.

Flavored vaping solutions offer a discreet mode of cannabis use, with flavors apparently enhancing their appeal. The results suggest that a growing proportion of youth find the newly available flavors—especially fruit flavors—more attractive than the standard cannabis taste.

Vaping does not produce the distinctive odor that comes from smoking cannabis, and vaping devices can be quickly concealed if an authority figure appears unexpectedly.

This increase in those who vaped highlights growing public health concerns about changing patterns of substance use and addiction among teens. Should cannabis use become more popular among youth in future years, then a greater number will end up with an addiction that can impair their social and academic life. Many people may not realize that more adolescents meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder than for alcohol use disorder, with 5% affected by cannabis compared to 3% for alcohol.

Research has shown that vapes are addictive. Dependence can be especially problematic for adolescents whose brains are developing. There are still some support programs for quitting, and smoking cessation medications may offer relief. But it can also be an agonizing process, bringing on withdrawal symptoms like depression, anxiety and irritation.

Menthol plays a role in youth initiation and addiction. It masks the harshness of nicotine, making it easier for young people to start—and harder to stop. Research shows that menthol use among youth surged during the time of JUUL’s rise. That early exposure has had lasting effects: today’s 18- to 24-year-olds—often referred to as the JUUL generation—now have the highest e-cigarette use rates of any age group.

Authorization of any product with demonstrated youth appeal must be met with rigorous safeguards and accountability. Continued vigilance to protect the next generation must include strong post-market surveillance, regular reviews of marketing practices, and swift enforcement against any violations.

If your child or a youth you know is ready to quick the habit the State offers program to help. “Drop the Vape” is a New York State-specific free and anonymous text messaging program, designed by the Truth Initiative, and created with input from teens, college students, and young adults who have attempted to, or successfully, quit vaping.

New York State youth, ages 13-17, and young adults, ages 18-24, can text DropTheVape to 88709 to sign up to receive age-appropriate supportive and motivating text messages to support quit efforts. Enrollees in the program receive interactive daily text messages tailored to their sign-up date or their target quit date if they set one. Those without a quit date receive messages for at least one month. Program users who set a quit date (which they can change) receive messages for at least one week prior to the quit date and for at least two months following the quit date. Drop the Vape also directs users to the New York State Quitline for free and confidential quit coaching via telephone, internet, and text, and free starter kits of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for eligible New Yorkers. For help young people can join by texting “DropTheVape” to 88709.

Keep aware, stay informed and avoid unhealthy behaviors. “Live SAFE “. The SAFE Glen Cove Coalition works diligently to protect youth and inform parents through prevention education to avoid the negative consequence of addiction.

SAFE, Inc. is the only alcohol and substance abuse prevention, intervention, and education agency in the City of Glen Cove. The Coalition is concerned about all combustible and electronic products with marijuana and tobacco and youth consumption. The Agency employs environmental strategies to educate and update the community regarding the negative consequences. To learn more about the SAFE Glen Cove Coalition please follow www.facebook.com/safeglencove or to learn more about electronic products visit the Vaping Facts and Myths Page of SAFE’s website to learn more about how vaping is detrimental to your health www.safeglencove.org.