Orange County Students Vaping Dangerous Substances: DA

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — Law enforcement is warning Orange County residents that there has been an alarming increase in high school students needing medical attention because they've taken a variety of dangerous substances through vaping.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler and Crawford Police Chief Dominick Blasko, speaking on behalf of the Police Chiefs' Association of Orange County, said students are using such substances as synthetic marijuana, commonly called K2 or "spice," substances purporting to contain THC or CBD oils, as well as other synthetic substances which are being ingested while vaping using e-cigarettes.

Based on the recent uptick in overdoses for teenagers who are vaping, officials said, it is apparent that high concentrations or other dangerous substances have been introduced into the substances these high schoolers are ingesting.

Hoovler said, for every parent and educator, the health and safety of children and teenagers is of paramount importance.

"It is imperative that young people be warned about dangerous substances by adults that they trust," he said, "and that responsible adults be vigilant in ensuring that those in their care are safe."

Blasko said that medical emergencies because of the ingestion of high concentrations of THC and other substances through vaping or ingesting edibles is becoming an unfortunate trend in the county's schools and communities.

"These alarming number of THC-related medical emergencies should be a wake-up call for parents to further educate themselves and have blunt discussions with young people about these dangerous and unregulated substances," he said.