Frequently Asked Questions

All forms of marijuana are mind altering (psychoactive). In other words, they change how the brain works. Marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals, including THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Since THC is the main active chemical in marijuana, the amount of THC in marijuana determines its potency, or strength, and therefore its effects. The THC content of marijuana has been increasing over the past few decades (Mehmedic, 2010).

Yes.  We know that marijuana use, particularly long-term, chronic use or use starting at a young age, can lead to dependence and addiction.  Long-term marijuana use can lead to compulsive drug seeking and abuse despite the known harmful effects upon functioning in the context of family, school, work, and recreational activities.

Research finds that approximately 9 percent (1 in 11) of marijuana users become dependent.  Research also indicates that the earlier young people start using marijuana, the more likely they are to become dependent on marijuana or other drugs later in life.

In 2011, approximately 4.2 million people met the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria for marijuana abuse or dependence.  This is more than pain relievers, cocaine, tranquilizers, hallucinogens, and heroin combined.  In 2011, approximately 872,000 Americans 12 or older reported receiving treatment for marijuana use, more than any other illicit drug.

The research is clear.  Marijuana users can become addicted to the drug.  It can lead to abuse and dependence, and other serious consequences.

There is significant public discussion around marijuana, much of which includes the terms legalization, decriminalization, and medical marijuana.  Below are very general definitions for these terms:

Marijuana Legalization: Laws or policies which make the possession and use of marijuana legal under state law.

Marijuana Decriminalization: Laws or policies adopted in a number of state and local jurisdictions which reduce the penalties for possession and use of small amounts of marijuana from criminal sanctions to fines or civil penalties. 

Medical Marijuana: State laws which allow an individual to defend him or herself against criminal charges of marijuana possession if the defendant can prove a medical need for marijuana under state law.

Outdoor marijuana cultivation creates a host of negative environmental effects.  These grow sites affect wildlife, vegetation, water, soil, and other natural resources through the use of chemicals, fertilizers, terracing, and poaching.  Marijuana cultivation results in the chemical contamination and alteration of watersheds; diversion of natural water courses; elimination of native vegetation; wildfire hazards; poaching of wildlife; and disposal of garbage, non-biodegradable materials, and human waste.

Marijuana growers apply insecticides directly to plants to protect them from insect damage. Chemical repellants and poisons are applied at the base of the marijuana plants and around the perimeter of the grow site to ward off or kill rats, deer, and other animals that could cause crop damage. Toxic chemicals are applied to irrigation hoses to prevent damage by rodents. According to the National Park Service, “degradation to the landscape includes tree and vegetation clearing, use of various chemicals and fertilizers that pollute the land and contribute to food chain contamination, and construction of ditches and crude dams to divert streams and other water sources with irrigation equipment.”

Outdoor marijuana grow site workers can also create serious wildfire hazards by clearing land for planting (which results in piles of dried vegetation) and by using campfires for cooking, heat, and sterilizing water. In August 2009, growers destroyed more than 89,000 acres in the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California.  The massive La Brea wildfire began in the Los Padres National Forest within the San Rafael Wilderness area in Santa Barbara County, California, and subsequently spread to surrounding county and private lands.  According to United States Forest Service (USFS) reporting, the source of the fire was an illegal cooking fire at an extensive, recurring Drug Trafficking Organization-operated outdoor grow site where more than 20,000 marijuana plants were under cultivation.  According to the USFS, suppression and resource damage costs of the La Brea wildfire totaled nearly $35 million.

In addition to the environmental damage, the cost to rehabilitate the land damaged by illicit marijuana grows is prohibitive, creating an additional burden to public and tribal land agency budgets.  According to internal Park Service estimates, full cleanup and restoration costs range from $14,900 to $17,700 per acre.*  Total costs include removal and disposal of hazardous waste (pesticides, fuels, fertilizers, batteries) and removal of camp facilities, irrigation hoses, and garbage.  Full restoration includes re-contouring plant terraces, large tent pads, and cisterns/wells and re-vegetating clear-cut landscapes.

The United States has an abundance of public lands set aside by Congress for conservation, recreational use, and enjoyment of the citizens of this country and visitors from around the globe.  Unfortunately, criminal organizations are exploiting some of these public and tribal lands as grow sites for marijuana. 

During calendar year 2010, nearly 10 million plants were removed from nearly 24,000 illegal outdoor grow sites nationwide.  These numbers provide insight into the size and scale of the negative environmental impact that marijuana cultivation can have on our Nation’s public lands.

While taxing marijuana could generate some revenues for state and local governments, research suggests that the economic costs associated with use of the drug could far outweigh any benefit gained from an increase in tax revenue. 

In the United States in 2007, illegal drugs cost $193 billion ($209 billion in 2011 dollars) in health care, lost productivity, crime, and other expenditures.  Optimistic evaluations of the potential financial savings from legalization and taxation are often flawed, and fail to account for the considerable economic and social costs of drug use and its consequences.

This issue is particularly relevant in the marijuana debate.  For example, the California Board of Equalization estimated that $1.4 billion of potential revenue could arise from legalization.  This assessment, according to the RAND Corporation is “based on a series of assumptions that are in some instances subject to tremendous uncertainty and in other cases not valid.”

Another recent report from RAND examines this issue in greater detail.  The report concludes that legalization and taxation of marijuana would lead to a decrease in the retail price of the drug, likely by more than 80 percent.  While this conclusion is subject to a number of uncertainties, including the effect of legalization on production costs and price and the Federal government’s response to the state’s legalization of a substance that would remain illegal under Federal law, it is fair to say that the price of marijuana would drop significantly.  And because drug use is sensitive to price, especially among young people, higher prices help keep use rates relatively low. 

The existing black market for marijuana will not simply disappear if the drug is legalized and taxed.  RAND also noted that “there is a tremendous profit motive for the existing black market providers to stay in the market, as they can still cover their costs of production and make a nice profit.”  Legalizing marijuana would also place a dual burden on the government of regulating a new legal market while continuing to pay for the negative side effects associated with an underground market, whose providers have little economic incentive to disappear.

Legalization means price comes down; the number of users goes up; the underground market adapts; and the revenue gained through a regulated market most likely will not keep pace with the financial and social cost of making this drug more accessible.

Consider the economic realities of other substances.  The tax revenue collected from alcohol pales in comparison to the costs associated with it.  Federal excise taxes collected on alcohol in 2009 totaled around $9.4 billion; state and local revenues from alcohol taxes totaled approximately $5.9 billion.  Taken together ($15.3 billion), this is just over six percent of the nearly $237.8 billion adjusted for 2009 inflation) in alcohol-related costs from health care, treatment services, lost productivity, and criminal justice.

While many levels of government and communities across the country are facing serious budget challenges, we must find innovative solutions to get us on a path to financial stability – it is clear that the social costs of legalizing marijuana would outweigh any possible tax that could be levied.

Tobacco is a plant that contains nicotine, a highly addictive chemical. It's commonly used in products like cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff. When burned or chewed, tobacco releases chemicals that affect the brain and body — many of which are toxic or cancer-causing.

• Cigarettes – the most common and widely used form
• Cigars and cigarillos – larger and often contain more tobacco than cigarettes
• Hookah (waterpipes) – used to smoke flavored tobacco
• Smokeless tobacco – includes chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, and snus
• Dissolvable tobacco – like lozenges or strips that dissolve in the mouth

Even when not smoked, all tobacco products carry serious health risks.

Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical in the tobacco plant. It’s highly addictive and acts as a stimulant, affecting the brain and body quickly. Many people become addicted to nicotine shortly after starting tobacco use — often without realizing it.

Nicotine can:

• Increase heart rate and blood pressure
• Cause nausea, dizziness, or anxiety in new users
• Interfere with brain development, especially in people under 25
• Trigger the release of dopamine, which reinforces the addiction cycle

Long-term use can increase risk for heart disease, stroke, and respiratory problems.

Secondhand smoke is the mix of smoke from a burning tobacco product and the smoke exhaled by a person who is smoking. It contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic or cancer-causing, and can lead to:

• Lung cancer
• Heart disease
• Asthma attacks and respiratory infections

There is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure.

Short-term effects can include:

• Coughing and shortness of breath
• Bad breath and stained teeth
• Decreased sense of taste and smell
• Fatigue and slower healing

Long-term effects include:

• Cancer (lung, throat, mouth, esophagus, etc.)
• Heart disease and stroke
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung issues
• Weakened immune system and slower recovery from illness
• Addiction to nicotine

No. Smokeless tobacco (like chew or dip) still contains high levels of nicotine and dozens of carcinogens. It increases the risk of:

• Mouth, throat, and pancreatic cancer
• Gum disease and tooth loss
• Addiction

So while it doesn’t produce smoke, it’s not a safe alternative.

Some people show signs of nicotine addiction within just a few days of use. Studies show that teens and young adults can become addicted after just a few cigarettes or dips — and many people don't realize how hooked they are until they try to stop.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Cravings
• Irritability, anxiety, or depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep problems
• Increased appetite or weight gain

These symptoms typically peak in the first few days after quitting but can last longer depending on the person.

Yes. Nicotine addiction is a treatable medical condition. Many people successfully quit with:

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) – patches, gum, lozenges
• Prescription medications – such as bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix)
• Counseling or support groups

• Set a quit date and make a plan
• Identify triggers and prepare for cravings
• Use NRT or medications as recommendedSeek support – from friends, counselors, or quitlines
• Replace the habit with healthy routines (exercise, journaling, deep breathing)
• Access programs like California Smokers’ Helpline or This is Quitting for free help

Yes. Even though vapes don’t contain traditional tobacco leaves, they usually contain nicotine derived from tobacco. Because of this, vaping is considered a form of tobacco use by the CDC, FDA, and many public health institutions.

Thirdhand smoke is the residue left behind after tobacco smoke settles on surfaces like furniture, walls, clothes, or carpets. These chemicals can remain for weeks or months, and some can react with indoor pollutants to form new toxic compounds. Young children and pets are especially vulnerable.

No. So-called “light” or “low-tar” cigarettes are not safer. Smokers often inhale more deeply or smoke more to get the same nicotine effect, which means they're still exposed to harmful chemicals. These terms are now banned from cigarette packaging in the U.S. because they were misleading.

Yes. Even occasional smoking increases your risk of:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Cancer
• Lung damage
• Addiction to nicotine

There’s no “safe” level of tobacco use — even a few cigarettes per week can affect your health.

“Hallucinogens” is a broad category that includes psychedelics, but also:Dissociatives (like ketamine or PCP), Deliriants (like Datura or high doses of Benadryl)

Psychedelics are a subset of hallucinogens, generally known for altering consciousness in a more coherent or introspective way. Deliriants and dissociatives can cause more confusion, detachment, or disconnection from reality.

Psychedelics are a category of substances that alter perception, mood, and thought patterns. They affect the brain in ways that can lead to visual or auditory hallucinations, spiritual experiences, and shifts in consciousness. Psychedelics are often used intentionally — for exploration, healing, or recreation — but they also come with risks.

Common psychedelics include:

• LSD (acid) – synthetic, powerful, long-lasting
• Psilocybin – natural, found in certain mushrooms
• DMT – natural (ayahuasca brew) or synthetic, very intense but short
• Mescaline – natural, found in peyote and San Pedro cactus
• MDMA (in some contexts) – debated; may have psychedelic and stimulant properties
• Ketamine – dissociative with psychedelic properties (more commonly considered a dissociative)

Psychedelics primarily affect the serotonin system, especially the 5-HT2A receptors. This alters sensory perception, cognition, and mood, leading to hallucinations and other intense psychological experiences. Brain imaging shows psychedelics may reduce activity in the brain’s default mode network, which is linked to self-awareness and ego.

Both.

Natural psychedelics: psilocybin (mushrooms), DMT (plants like chacruna), mescaline (cactus),

Synthetic psychedelics: LSD, 2C-B, NBOMe series

Natural doesn’t mean safe — the effects can still be intense or unpredictable.

Common effects* include:

• Intense visual or auditory hallucinations
• Altered sense of time or self
• Emotional breakthroughs or heightened sensitivity
• Spiritual or mystical experiences
• Nausea, anxiety, or paranoia

*Effects depend on dose, mindset (“set”), environment (“setting”), and the substance itself.

A "trip" refers to the entire experience of being under the influence of a psychedelic or hallucinogen. It can last from 20 minutes to 12+ hours, depending on the substance.

A good trip may feel joyful, insightful, connected, or even healing. A bad trip may involve panic, paranoia, confusion, frightening hallucinations, or a sense of losing control

Even a “bad trip” may lead to long-term insight — but it can also be traumatizing without proper support

Tip: Being in a safe environment with trusted people helps reduce the risk of a bad trip.

While most classic psychedelics are not physically toxic in standard doses, taking too much can lead to:

• Severe psychological distress
• Dangerous behaviors or accidents
• Lasting mental health effects

Very high doses or misidentified substances (like NBOMe instead of LSD) can be life-threatening. Always be cautious.

Microdosing means taking very small, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics (often LSD or psilocybin) on a regular schedule. Some people report benefits like:

• Better focus or creativity
• Reduced anxiety or depression
• Enhanced emotional insight

However, evidence is still emerging, and some studies suggest effects may be due to the placebo effect. It’s also not risk-free or legal in most places.

Decriminalization means reduced or no criminal penalties, but possession and sale remain technically illegal. Cities like Oakland and Denver have passed such laws for natural psychedelics.

Legalization would mean psychedelics are regulated like alcohol or cannabis — this is not yet the case federally.

Some states (like Oregon) are beginning to allow licensed therapeutic use of psilocybin.

Hallucinogens are substances that cause hallucinations or altered sensory experiences, affecting how people perceive reality. They can be natural or synthetic and fall into different types:

• Psychedelics – LSD, psilocybin, mescaline
• Dissociatives – PCP, ketamine, DXM
• Deliriants – Datura, high-dose antihistamines

They affect neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, glutamate, and acetylcholine, depending on the substance. This leads to changes in sensory input processing, perception, and emotion.

Both.

Natural: Psilocybin (mushrooms), mescaline (cactus), DMT (plants)

Synthetic: LSD, ketamine, PCP, MDMA, 2C family

• Vivid imagery and color
• Distorted time and space
• Feelings of euphoria, insight, or terror
• Confusion or emotional swings

Experiences vary widely and can change quickly.

• Psilocybin: 4–6 hours
• LSD: 8–12 hours
• DMT: 10–30 minutes (smoked), hours if consumed in ayahuasca
• Mescaline: 8–12 hours
• Ketamine: 30–90 minutes (with lingering effects)

The duration depends on the substance, dose, and method of use.

A bad trip may involve:

• Paranoia or panic
• Intrusive thoughts or fear of dying
• Disconnection from reality
• Intense visuals that feel threatening

These can be emotionally overwhelming and may require support during or after the experience.

Yes. While some people report positive long-term changes, risks include: Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) – lingering visuals or “flashbacks," worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions,  or persistent anxiety or dissociation. 

Risk is higher for people with personal or family histories of psychosis or mood disorders.

Classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are not usually fatal by themselves, but high doses can be dangerous due to accidents or mental distress. Dissociatives like DXM (dextromethorphan) can be physically toxic and deadly at high doses.

Nitrous oxide—commonly known as "laughing gas" or "nitrous"—is a colorless gas used medically for pain relief and sedation, often at the dentist. Some people misuse it to get a short, intense high that causes euphoria, dizziness, or laughter. Inhaling nitrous can be dangerous, especially when used repeatedly or without oxygen, and can lead to oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, or even death.

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications (like Robitussin, NyQuil, and Coricidin). While safe in normal doses, high doses can produce dissociative, hallucinogenic, or sedative effects, which is why some people misuse it recreationally — a practice sometimes called "robotripping."

In high doses, DXM affects glutamate receptors in the brain (similar to PCP or ketamine).

Effects can include euphoria, hallucinations, confusion, nausea, and loss of motor control.

Overdosing on DXM can be dangerous or fatal, especially when combined with other substances like acetaminophen, which is often included in cold medications and can cause liver damage.

It's legal to purchase, but misuse is harmful and potentially addictive.

NBOMe refers to a class of synthetic hallucinogens (e.g., 25I-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe) that are chemically similar to mescaline or 2C drugs but much more potent and dangerous. They are often misrepresented as LSD because they’re also sold on blotter paper, but they are not safe alternatives.

NBOMe Facts:

1. NBOMe compounds work by strongly activating serotonin receptors (5-HT2A) — even more intensely than LSD.
2. They are not active unless taken sublingually (under the tongue) or swallowed in liquid form.
3. Effects include intense visual hallucinations, anxiety, agitation, seizures, heart problems, and even death.
4. These compounds have been linked to multiple overdoses and fatalities, particularly because users don't realize how potent they are.

NBOMes are illegal and classified as Schedule I substances in the U.S.

Recreational use is typically unregulated and done for fun, self-exploration, or social reasons.

Therapeutic use is conducted in clinical settings with trained professionals, usually with specific mental health goals (e.g., treatment for PTSD or depression).

Early research shows promising mental health outcomes, but it’s important to distinguish evidence-based therapy from self-medication.

Microdosing means taking a very low dose (about 1/10th of a full dose) of a psychedelic every few days. Some people report mood boosts or creativity, but scientific evidence is still inconclusive. Risks include:

• Potential psychological effects over time
• Unknown long-term impact on the brain
• Legal consequences if caught with the substance

Opioids are a class of drugs used to reduce pain. They include prescription medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. They work by blocking pain signals and creating feelings of relaxation or euphoria.

"Opiates" refer specifically to natural substances derived from the opium poppy (like morphine and codeine). "Opioids" is a broader term that includes natural, semi-synthetic (like oxycodone), and synthetic (like fentanyl) drugs that act on opioid receptors in the brain.

Opioids attach to receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body, blocking pain messages and increasing feelings of pleasure or calm. This can also slow breathing, heart rate, and other essential functions.

They are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain, such as after surgery, injury, or for cancer-related pain. They may also be prescribed for chronic pain, though this is increasingly discouraged due to the risk of dependence.

Short-term effects include pain relief, drowsiness, euphoria, nausea, and slowed breathing.

Long-term use can lead to physical dependence, addiction, increased tolerance, constipation, hormonal changes, and increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia).

Opioids flood the brain with dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and reward. Over time, this can alter brain chemistry and make it harder to feel pleasure naturally, contributing to dependence and addiction.

Signs may include:

• Using more than prescribed or for longer than intended
• Changes in mood, sleep, or behavior
• Seeking early refills or multiple doctors (“doctor shopping”)
• Isolation, lying about use, or financial issues
• Cravings and withdrawal symptoms when not using

Dependence means your body has adapted to the drug and needs it to function normally. Withdrawal occurs if use stops.

Addiction is a chronic brain disorder involving compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences. A person can be dependent without being addicted, but addiction usually includes dependence.

• Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• Blue or gray lips and fingertips
• Pinpoint (tiny) pupils
• Loss of consciousness or inability to wake up
• Gurgling or choking sounds

 An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.

Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose if given in time. It is safe, easy to use, and available at many pharmacies without a prescription.

Never use alone – use with someone who can call for help or use a virtual monitoring service

• Carry naloxone (Narcan)
• Start with a small test dose
• Avoid mixing with alcohol or other drugs
• Use fentanyl test strips to check for contamination
• Seek support services – Bulldogs for Recovery and Student Health and Counseling offer confidential help. 

Prescription drugs require a doctor’s approval because they are stronger, may have more serious side effects, and are meant to treat specific conditions. OTC medications can be bought without a prescription and are generally considered safe when used as directed.

Common types include:

• Stimulants (for ADHD, like Adderall or Ritalin)
• Opioids (for pain, like oxycodone or hydrocodone)
• Benzodiazepines (for anxiety or sleep, like Xanax or Valium)
• Antidepressants (like Zoloft or Prozac)
• Antibiotics (to treat infections)

Each has specific uses and potential side effects.

Not without checking with your doctor. Stopping early can cause your condition to return or get worse, and suddenly stopping some medications can be dangerous.

No. Even if symptoms seem similar, medications are prescribed based on personal health needs. Taking someone else’s prescription is illegal and can be harmful.

Side effects vary but may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, mood changes, or allergic reactions. Some can be serious, especially when misused or mixed with other substances.

Not unless your doctor says it’s safe. Combining substances can increase the risk of side effects, overdose, or dangerous interactions—especially with medications that affect your brain, heart, or breathing.

It’s using a medication in a way other than prescribed—like taking too much, using it to get high, or using someone else’s medication. This is illegal and can lead to addiction, overdose, or other health problems.

Call your doctor right away. If it's severe—like trouble breathing, chest pain, or a rash that spreads—call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Store medications in a cool, dry place, out of reach of others. A locked drawer or box is ideal. Avoid bathrooms and cars where heat or humidity can degrade the medicine. Never share your prescriptions.

Yes. Some lose effectiveness, while others can become unsafe. Don’t take expired drugs—safely dispose of them through a drug take-back program or a local pharmacy.

Only from a licensed U.S. pharmacy with a valid prescription. Many online sites sell counterfeit or unsafe medications, so be careful.

Taking multiple medications can increase the risk of side effects, harmful interactions, or overdose—especially in older adults or people with chronic conditions. Always tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you’re taking.

Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase activity in the brain and nervous system, speeding up mental and physical processes. They can make people feel more alert, energetic, focused, or euphoric, but they also carry risks — especially when misused.

Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. This leads to heightened alertness, energy, and concentration. However, overuse or misuse can disrupt brain chemistry, leading to dependence, mental health issues, and heart problems.

No. Stimulants include both prescription medications and illegal or recreational drugs.

Prescription stimulants include medications like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and Concerta, usually prescribed to treat ADHD or narcolepsy.

Illicit stimulants include drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), MDMA (ecstasy), and synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”).

When taken without a prescription or in higher doses than prescribed, stimulants can cause:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks
• Sleep problems or insomnia
• Dependence and addiction
• Risk of overdose
• Heart problems or seizures

Using someone else’s prescription is also illegal and considered drug misuse.

Short-term effects may include:

• Increased energy and alertness
• Enhanced focus or confidence
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth and dilated pupils

Long-term or high-dose effects can include:

• Aggression or paranoia
• Heart strain or cardiovascular damage
• Memory loss or confusion
• Mood swings or psychosis
• Addiction

This varies by the type of stimulant:

• Prescription stimulants typically last 4–12 hours, depending on the formulation (short-acting vs. extended-release).
• Cocaine effects peak quickly but fade in about 30–60 minutes.
• Methamphetamine can last 8–24 hours, making it especially risky.

Signs may include:

• Needing to take more to feel the same effects (tolerance)
• Spending a lot of time obtaining or using stimulants
• Using even when it causes harm (e.g., missing class, relationship issues)
• Cravings or withdrawal symptoms when not using
• Inability to stop, even after trying

Yes. Stimulant overdose can be life-threatening. It happens when the body is overwhelmed by too much drug at once — especially when combined with other substances or used repeatedly without rest.

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• High fever or overheating
• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Unconsciousness or death in severe cases

If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.

Yes — mixing stimulants with other substances increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, overdose, and unpredictable behavior.

Alcohol + stimulants can mask how intoxicated you feel, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning.

Weed + stimulants may cause severe anxiety, panic attacks, or mental confusion.

These combinations stress the body and brain in different directions, making outcomes harder to predict and more dangerous.

Using or possessing stimulant medications without a prescription is a federal crime.

Most prescription stimulants are Schedule II controlled substances, meaning they carry a high potential for abuse.

Charges can include possession, distribution, or intent to distribute, especially if you're found sharing or selling pills.

E-cigarettes and vapes use a battery-powered heating element to turn a liquid (called e-liquid or vape juice) into an inhalable aerosol. The user inhales this vapor through a mouthpiece, much like smoking.

Vape liquids can contain:

• Nicotine (sometimes in high concentrations)
• Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin (used to create vapor)
• Flavorings (some of which contain harmful chemicals)
• Other substances like THC or CBD in certain products

 Some e-liquids may also contain heavy metals, ultrafine particles, or other unknown additives.

Unlike traditional cigarettes, vapes don’t burn tobacco. However, many still deliver nicotine and other harmful substances. Vaping is sometimes marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but it's not risk-free, especially for young people.

Cig-a-likes: Small, look like traditional cigarettes

Vape pens: Slim, rechargeable, refillable

Pod systems: Use disposable or refillable pods (e.g., JUUL)

Mods: Larger, customizable devices with stronger batteries and vapor output

Disposables: Single-use vapes pre-filled with liquid (e.g., Puff Bar, Elf Bar)

While vaping is sometimes promoted as safer than smoking, it still carries significant health risks. Vaping can harm lung health, expose users to nicotine addiction, and may increase the risk of future cigarette use. The long-term effects are still being studied.

Short-term effects can include:

• Coughing or wheezing
• Throat or mouth irritation
• Headaches or dizziness
• Increased heart rate

Long-term risks may include:

• Lung damage or respiratory illness
• Nicotine addiction and withdrawal symptoms
• Possible effects on brain development (especially for people under 25)
• Increased risk of using other tobacco products

“Popcorn lung” is the nickname for a rare but serious lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans. It damages the smallest airways in the lungs (called bronchioles), leading to scarring and inflammation that makes it hard to breathe. The condition is irreversible and can cause symptoms similar to asthma or chronic bronchitis.

The name came from cases in the early 2000s when workers in a microwave popcorn factory developed the illness after breathing in diacetyl, a buttery-flavored chemical used in popcorn flavoring.

Diacetyl was also found in many flavored e-liquids, especially sweet or creamy ones like vanilla custard or caramel.

When inhaled over time, diacetyl can cause serious lung damage, though the risk depends on the amount and frequency of exposure.

Some studies (such as from Harvard and the American Lung Association) have shown that even nicotine-free vapes may contain diacetyl or similar harmful chemicals.

Some companies have removed diacetyl from their products, but not all e-cigarette ingredients are regulated or clearly labeled.

Counterfeit or imported vapes, as well as untested vape liquids sold online or through informal sellers, may still contain diacetyl or other dangerous substances.

Bottom line:
While popcorn lung is rare, the risk of lung damage from inhaling heated chemicals—especially from flavored or unregulated vape products—is real. Vaping is not harmless to your lungs, even if the label says “diacetyl-free.”

Most vape products do contain nicotine—even those labeled as "0 mg" have sometimes been found to contain trace amounts. Some pod systems (like JUUL) use nicotine salts, which allow for higher doses of nicotine to be inhaled more smoothly.

A single JUUL pod, for example, contains about the same amount of nicotine as a whole pack of cigarettes. For people who have never used nicotine before, even small amounts can cause dependence or unpleasant side effects like nausea or anxiety.

Vaping is legal for adults age 21 and over in California. However, vaping in certain places—such as public buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities—is often restricted or prohibited.

Yes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates e-cigarettes and vaping products. However, enforcement is inconsistent, and many vape products—especially those sold illegally or imported—may not meet FDA safety standards.

Vaping can be highly addictive, especially because most e-cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine, a drug that changes how your brain works and creates dependence over time.

In fact, some vapes contain more nicotine than traditional cigarettes. And because they’re small, flavored, and easy to use discreetly, people often inhale more frequently and more deeply than they would with a cigarette — increasing the risk of addiction.

Many people who start vaping — especially teens and young adults — never meant to get addicted. But nicotine changes the brain’s reward system, making it harder to stop even when you want to.

You might be addicted to vaping if you:

• Crave your vape when you’re not using it
• Feel anxious, irritable, or restless if you go too long without it
• Have tried to quit or cut back but can’t
• Vape as soon as you wake up or use it in the middle of the night
• Find it hard to focus or feel “off” without vaping
• Use it even in places where it’s not allowed
• Feel embarrassed or worried about how much you use but still can’t stop