Talking with your teen about vaping: A tip sheet for parents

Even if a vaping product does not contain nicotine, there is still a risk of being exposed to other potentially harmful chemicals.

Vaping and quitting smoking

Nicotine vaping products have not been approved in Canada as a quit smoking aid, so they are not available as a prescription at this point. However, a number of Canadians are trying to quit smoking by vaping nicotine, and have said it has helped. While the science is evolving, evidence suggests that vaping nicotine (using e-cigarettes), can help adults quit smoking.

For adults who are unable to quit smoking using approved methods, completely replacing cigarette smoking with vaping will reduce their exposure to many of the harmful chemicals from tobacco smoke. Learn more Canada.ca/quit-smoking.

It is not safe for youth to use any nicotine or cannabis products, including cigarettes and vaping products. The use of vaping for smoking cessation has only been studied in adults and there is no information currently available on the effectiveness in teens.

Vaping liquids

The ingredients typically found in vaping liquids include glycerol, flavours, propylene glycol and varying levels of nicotine.

The heating process can cause reactions and create new potentially harmful chemicals. Some contaminants, such as metals, might also get into the vaping products and then into the aerosol.

The long-term health effects of vaping nicotine and cannabis are unknown and continue to be researched.

Vaping and cannabis

Cannabis can be vaped using either dried cannabis, liquid, or solid cannabis extracts. Cannabis vaping products containing cannabis extracts (disposable vape pens, for example) can be very strong and contain up to 95% THC. THC, one of the substances in cannabis, can interfere with healthy brain development until the mid 20s. The higher the THC content consumed, the greater the risks to mental health including the development or worsening of cannabis dependence, and feelings of anxiety and depression.

Risks of illegal vaping products

The use of cannabis products including cannabis vaping accessories outside of the legal market can pose additional risks to health and safety. In 2019, an unregulated cutting agent, vitamin E acetate, was used in illegal THC-containing vaping products and was associated with an outbreak of Vaping-Associated Lung Illness which caused thousands of hospitalizations and dozens of deaths in the United States.

Set a positive example

If you use tobacco, cannabis or vaping products, be honest with your teen about the risks, and any regrets, difficulties and health effects resulting from your experience. Talk with your teen about when and why you started to smoke/vape and explain how you thought it would make you feel, and how it is affecting your health. It is never too late to quit smoking. If you are vaping to help you quit smoking, talk with your teen about it. Talk with them about addiction and dependence and how hard it can be to quit smoking. And remember, quitting smoking is possible. For free help, visit Gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit or call 1-866-366-3667.

Start the conversation

Before you start the conversation, learn some of the various words that teens use to describe vaping to better relate with your teen. Check out the Learn the lingo video.

Find the right moment

Take advantage of situations where you can talk about vaping. It doesn't have to be formal. For example, when passing by a group of teenagers who are vaping, take the opportunity to have a non-judgmental conversation with your teen about it. Find out if your teen has friends who vape or if they considered trying it or felt pressured to try vaping. Talk with your teen about ways to refuse vaping in a way that makes them comfortable. You can help them to make a plan and think-through what they will say, or do.

Be patient and ready to listen

• Avoid criticism and encourage an open dialogue.
• Remember, your goal is to have a meaningful conversation, not to give a lecture.
• Thank your teen for being honest with you if they tell you that they have tried vaping or vape regularly. Then offer to share some information about the risks of vaping, and discuss the benefits of being smoke- and vape-free.
• If your teen tells you they are interested in quitting or reducing their use, help them come up with their own goals and support them in achieving them.

Get support

• Ask your healthcare provider to talk with you and your teen about the risks of vaping and ways to be smoke- and vape-free.
• Consider suggesting that your teen talk with other trusted adults, such as relatives, teachers, faith leaders, coaches, or counsellors whom you know are aware of the risks of vaping. These supportive adults can help reinforce your message.

Keep the conversation going

• Don't expect to have just one conversation with your teen. Odds are you will probably need to talk about it many times. Remind your teen that you are always available to chat about this issue.
• Keep in mind that talking about it can also set the stage for important discussions about tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, nonmedical use of prescription drugs, like opioids, or other risky behaviours.