Staff Writer: Olivia Ramirez
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating thirty-five cases of seizures and convulsions as the result of nicotine poisoning. While there is no proven relationship between vape products and seizures, vape products can do real harm.
Nicotine poisoning is not uncommon and is likely the result of people being unaware of the amount of nicotine being ingested. E- cigarettes have a very high concentration of nicotine, so it is easier to inhale more nicotine than intended.
The high concentration can have some unforeseen consequences. Nicotine poisoning, commonly referred to as being “nic sick”, causes nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, arrhythmia, dehydration, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, dizziness, headache, gas, anxiety, hearing and vision change, and possibly even seizures. Nicotine poisoning often requires hospital treatment.
Nicotine poisoning is not the only concern vape products have brought up, especially for those who are underage and participate in the use of e-cigarettes. Illegal products are causing issues in Cherokee county.
The legal age to buy vape products is 18, regardless of the law many underage students vape. Underage people who vape rely on illegal sources for their products, making them more likely to buy laced vape products. The vape oils are often laced with synthetic marijuana also known as spice. Synthetic marijuana was made illegal almost a decade ago after causing various health issues for people in Cherokee county.
July of 2019 two men were arrested, for selling illegal vape oil, classified as schedule one drugs, out of the Marathon gas station in Cherokee county. They have been accused of selling synthetic oil “Kentucky Route” and “Kiss of Death”.
Despite the risk many people are not swayed from using vape products. Juuls are the most common vape products used by students. After being told all the information found above an anonymous Woodstock senior claims, “I trust that I know my limits, and I don’t consider the rare possibility that pods could be laced as a real threat.” While many share this senior’s belief, not everyone shares such a flippant attitude about vaping. Woodstock junior, Reagan Howard, conveyed her opinion on the matter by stating, “Honestly, I just think it’s stupid, there’s nothing appealing about being so addicted to a little stick that has taken over some people’s lives. It’s not worth the risk of damaging my body.” Howard is right to point out how Juuls can take over someone’s life. Nicotine is am extremely addictive drug. Many people are so addicted they can’t go more than a couple hours without a hit. Although many people have found vape products help them get off tobacco products, it best to avoid vaping, especially for those under the age of 18.
Despite being illegal and the many health issues, they cause, both oils are not hard to find and purchase online. When searching the drugs online two pages selling the products are available on the first page.
These are the schedule one drugs that police found being sold. The vape oils are named “Kentucky Route” and “Kiss of Death”. Photo Credit: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Despite the risk many people are not swayed from using vape products. Juuls are the most common vape products used by students.
After being told all the information found above an anonymous Woodstock senior claims, “I trust that I know my limits, and I don’t consider the rare possibility that pods could be laced as a real threat.”
While many share this senior’s belief, not everyone shares such a flippant attitude about vaping.
Woodstock junior, Reagan Howard, conveyed her opinion on the matter by stating, “Honestly, I just think it’s stupid, there’s nothing appealing about being so addicted to a little stick that has taken over some people’s lives. It’s not worth the risk of damaging my body.”
Howard is right to point out how Juuls can take over someone’s life. Nicotine is am extremely addictive drug. Many people are so addicted they can’t go more than a couple hours without a hit. Although many people have found vape products help them get off tobacco products, it best to avoid vaping, especially for those under the age of 18.
The Wolverine Times 
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