Cannabis vaping is making headlines worldwide, often promoted as a “safer” alternative to smoking. Meanwhile, Drug Trends data from Australia reveal that non-prescribed cannabis use remains high among people who regularly use drugs. But are wider permission models and positive propaganda about cannabis leading to greater engagement, especially among those most at risk? This article dives into Australian data from the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) and Illicit Drugs Reporting System (IDRS), exploring what’s really happening with cannabis products, vaping, and why honest health education is more critical than ever.

Cannabis Vaping and Drug Trends in Australia (2014–2024): What the Data Tells Us

Cannabis vaping, once an afterthought, now claims a growing share of the global market. Many believe vaping to be less harmful, with marketers highlighting vaping’s lack of smoke and alleged respiratory benefits. However, recent Drug Trends research in Australia challenges some of these assumptions and uncovers troubling patterns.

The Rise of Electronic Vaping Products

Electronic vaping products started as oversized gadgets in the late 1990s. Initially intended to vaporise dried cannabis herb, they eventually shrank, morphing into today’s sleek e-cigarettes. While vaping nicotine products has become mainstream, cannabis vaping is following close behind, spurred in part by changes to medicinal and recreational cannabis laws overseas.

A North American review found a seven-fold increase in monthly cannabis vaping among adolescents, with notable shifts from dried herb to potent cannabis oils. However, the situation in Australia is different, shaped by stricter regulations and unique market conditions.

Drug Trends in Non-Prescribed Cannabis Use

Australia’s EDRS and IDRS surveys collect real-world data on non-prescribed cannabis and cannabinoid-related products. Between 2014 and 2024, most participants in both systems reported using cannabis recently, with rates as high as 90% in the EDRS and 74% in the IDRS.

Hydroponic and Bush Cannabis Still Dominate

• Hydroponic cannabis was the most popular, with usage rates ranging from 63%–83% among EDRS respondents, and a remarkable 88%–94% for IDRS participants.
• Bush cannabis also stayed common, with 51%–77% (EDRS) and 37%–54% (IDRS) reporting use.
• Other cannabis products, such as THC extracts and commercially-prepared edibles, have appeared in recent years, showing increased product diversity—but are far less popular than traditional forms.

Cannabis Vaping Emerges, But Smoking Prevails

Despite media attention around cannabis vaping, the majority of Australians captured in these studies still smoke cannabis. From 2014 to 2024:

• Smoking remained the dominant route of administration (ROA) in both groups.
• Cannabis vaping (inhaling/vaporising) trended upward, but stayed a minority choice. Vaporising among EDRS participants increased from 12% to 25%, and from 2% to 9% for IDRS.

Notably, few users chose vaping as their only method. Most combined it with smoking, suggesting the rise in vaping hasn’t replaced traditional habits.

Concerns About Cannabis Vaping and Permission Models

The Problem with Changing Perceptions

There is growing concern that permission models and positive messaging around cannabis use (whether through legislation or social media) may downplay its risks. Vaping, in particular, is surrounded by claims of being a “safer” alternative to smoking. While it’s true that vaping doesn’t involve combustion and may expose users to fewer toxic chemicals, it’s not risk-free.

Key Issues Include:

• Potency extremes: Some vape oils and extracts reach THC concentrations of 70–90%, far higher than the average 10%–20% in cannabis herb. Highly potent products carry greater risks for dependence, anxiety, and psychosis.
• Unknown health risks: The long-term effects of inhaling cannabis vapour, especially from unregulated or home-made devices, are not fully understood.
• Discreet use and normalisation: Portability and subtlety make vaping easier to hide, particularly from parents and teachers. For some users, this can enable more frequent use or uptake at a younger age.
• Unhealthy dual use: Most vapers continue smoking, increasing overall exposure to both methods.

International Lessons Don’t Always Apply

Much of the positive hype about vaping comes from North America, where cannabis is legal in several states and markets are flooded with diverse, well-packaged products. Australia’s stricter rules, fewer product options, and lack of dispensaries mean findings elsewhere may not reflect the scenario here.

Canadian data (2019) suggested 84% of users smoked cannabis, and only 27% vaped. The Australian Drug Trends data shows a similar split, despite the hype. We shouldn’t generalise overseas findings to local policy or prevention efforts.

Why Cannabis Drug Trends Demand Better Education

Risks Differ Across Products and Devices

• Edibles, vapes, oils, and herb each carry unique risks. For instance, the effects of edibles are delayed and harder to predict, sometimes leading users to take more than they intended.
• Vaping devices are not all equal, with some more likely to reach unsafe temperatures or deliver inconsistent doses.

Key Findings from 2014–2024 Data

• Smoking remains king among both EDRS and IDRS participants.
• Cannabis vaping is increasing but not dominating.
• Multiple products and administration routes are now common, particularly in the EDRS group.
• Potency and exposure risks are higher with certain products, especially vapes and extracts.

What Do These Drug Trends Mean for Prevention and Policy?

Evidence from Drug Trends studies makes it clear that permission models and glowing propaganda do affect engagement levels, especially among young people and those in high-risk groups. When new cannabis forms emerge, promoted as modern or harmless, real risks can be lost in the noise.

Recommendations for Health Education and Policy

1. Update Health Campaigns

Public health messages should address all forms of cannabis, not just smoking. Education must highlight that vaping is not risk-free and bring context to the idea of “safer use.”

2. Tailor Strategies for Vulnerable Groups

Young people and those who use drugs frequently are most susceptible to shifting trends and novel products. Education, screening, and support should meet their specific needs.

3. Don’t Import Overseas Messaging

Just because cannabis and vaping are celebrated elsewhere doesn’t mean these products function the same way, or have the same risks, in Australia.

4. Monitor Ongoing Drug Trends

Changing patterns of cannabis use in Australia deserve close scrutiny, especially when permission models and social acceptance are on the rise. Data clearly show that while cannabis vaping is on the up, it remains relatively uncommon compared to smoking. However, the conversation shouldn’t stop there. Edibles, extracts, and novel products will introduce new public health challenges.

Source: UNSW.EDU