Hi All,
If you know me, then you know I taught health and science classes in the past at Havana High School. Due to the growing number of people that are using Nicotine/THC vape and due to the overdoses/deaths due to Fentanyl worldwide. I feel it is necessary at this time to inform students, parents/guardians and care givers of the dangers associated with their usage.
Information on Vape, THC and Fentanyl
Vapes/ecigarettes contain nicotine:
- Nicotine is highly addictive. It can cause increase in blood pressure, heart rate, flow of blood to the heart and is attributed to narrowing of the arteries. Acute nicotine exposure can be toxic
- Harm Adolescent Brain Development. The human brain is not fully developed until the mid to late 20’s. The prefrontal cortex is the last to mature. This part of the brain plays a central role in cognitive control functions which influence attention, impulse inhibitions, ability to remember and carry out intended actions in the future and cognitive flexibility.
- Ultrafine particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs
- Flavoring, such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease
- The aerosols contain cancer causing chemicals and volatile organic compounds
- Heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead can be deposited into the lungs
- Defective ecigarette batteries have exploded in the past causing serious injury
THC vapes and marijuana usage:
- Potent marijuana plants contain (15% - 20% THC). Vape with THC Oils are concentrated with as high as (90% - 95% THC)
- THC effect on the body:
- Permanent loss of IQ (determined as much loss as 8 IQ points if begun when adolescent)
- Mental Health (THC use Linked to depression, anxiety, suicide planning and psychotic episodes)
- Decreases Athletic Performance (Timing, movement, coordination, cardiovascular fitness)
- Effects Driving: Slower reactions, leaving lane, decreased coordination and effects decision making.
- More likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduce life satisfaction
- Can become addictive
Fentanyl
- This is a powerful synthetic opioid which is 50-100 times more powerful than morphine. Two milligrams, which is about the size of 5 grains of salt can kill a healthy adult.
- Because of its potency and low cost, drug dealers have mixed it with other drugs or with filler to form pills.
- This drug has been found in heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine and laced in marijuana to magnify the effects. It has been put in pill form to look like fake prescription drugs to include opioids, psychotropic drugs and attention deficient disorder medicine.
- It has been found fused in candy molds similar to Jolly Ranchers, Gummy Bears and other candies. Pills have been given bright colors to attract the youth to purchase them.
- An overdose can be treated with Narcan nasal spray, which is a potential life saving medicine to help reverse the effects of opioid overdose within minutes.
Best,
David McKinney
Havana High School