Survey of U.S. Residents and Their Usage of Electronic Cigarettes with Drugs Other Than Nicotine.
Alaina K Holt, Alyssa K Rudy, Ashlee N Sawyer, Justin L Poklis, Alison B Breland, Michelle R Peace
Journal of psychoactive drugs January 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2250353 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA survey of e-cigarette users found that devices originally intended for nicotine are now commonly used to consume other drugs, especially cannabinoids. Respondents averaged 27.4 years old, mostly male (73%). Vape pens were the most common device type. Cannabinoids were the most reported drug class for both lifetime and past 30-day use. Other drugs reported include herbal supplements, amphetamines, caffeine, kratom, vitamins, opiates, DMT, fentanyl, and ketamine. Vaping alone was the most common context, followed by with friends, at home, and at social events; less common contexts included driving, at work, and at school. The results can inform future national surveys and public safety efforts.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Exploratory survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | E-cigarette users who reported using drugs other than nicotine |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | United states Substance use Vaping e-cigarettes Electronic cigarettes Vaporizers |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Cannabinoids were the most reported class of drugs other than nicotine used in e-cigarettes, for both lifetime and past 30-day use. |
Abstract
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs), originally intended to be used as cigarette substitutes, have evolved into discreet devices for consuming drugs other than nicotine (DOTNs). Presented are the results of an exploratory survey in which information regarding demographics, e-cig device type, DOTN use, frequency and context of use was collected. The average reported age of respondents was 27.4 years of age (SD = 12.0), and respondents predominantly identified as male (73%). Vape pens (disposable or refillable) were the most reported device across all DOTN classes. Cannabinoids were the most reported class of DOTN used, for both lifetime and past 30-day use. Other DOTNs reported included herbal supplements, amphetamines, caffeine, kratom, vitamins, opiates, DMT, fentanyl, and ketamine. Combinations of DOTNs used in e-cigs and trends in poly-substance use were reported. The most commonly reported context was vaping alone, followed by with friends, at home, and at social events; less commonly reported contexts included when driving, at work, and at school. Results from this study are useful for developing future national surveys to consider a comprehensive substance use-focused strategy that includes vaping, building awareness of DOTN e-cig use, and highlighting public safety issues in driving impairment, crime scene investigations, and death investigations.