As vape pens become easier for kids to hide and harder for schools to police, Michigan researchers say a growing number of teens are vaping marijuana — especially flavored products — raising health and addiction concerns.
New national survey data from the University of Michigan shows that among eighth graders who reported using marijuana in 2024, 57% said they vaped the drug, up from 48% in 2021.
There was also more pot vaping by older kids, jumping from 60% to 66% for 10th graders, and from 58% to 67% for 12th graders.
Vaping cannabis could be less damaging than smoking it. When cannabis is burned, the smoke produces toxins and carcinogens. But U-M researchers say the rising popularity of vapes raises new concerns about addiction.
“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,” Richard Miech, principal investigator of the Monitoring the Future study, in a press statement.
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The survey data shows flavored vape products are becoming especially popular with teens. Among eighth graders who vaped pot, 63% used a flavor in 2024, up from 47% in 2021. Use rose from 41% to 53% for 10th graders and from 36% to 50% for 12th graders.
While you must be 21 years old to purchase recreational marijuana, vape pens are relatively accessible and easier to conceal because they lack the strong odor that marijuana has. That means they can be hidden quickly “if an authority figure appears unexpectedly,” Miech said.
“Flavored vaping solutions offer a discreet mode of cannabis use, with flavors apparently enhancing their appeal,” Miech said, noting that young people find flavors — especially fruit flavors — “more attractive than the standard cannabis taste.”
While some argue that recreational use of marijuana can have positive health benefits, misuse of cannabis can result in cannabis use disorder.
People who develop this disorder may need to use more cannabis or greater concentrations of cannabis over time to experience a high, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
