East Texas council educates people to extinguish use of marijuana, vapes in teens

LUFKIN, Texas (KETK) – The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council held a press conference on Thursday to discuss the usage of vapes and marijuana in teens.

Survey shows 10% of high schoolers vape

The Region 5 Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council, which covers eight of our Deep East Texas counties, released a 175-page report on Thursday. The assessment details how vaping is still an ongoing battle, especially for middle and high schools in the area.

“We’ve seen a growth, especially among our young people, and that is where the greatest impact is occurring,” Kim Bartel, program manager of Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council, said.

They are now facing concerns of a growing trend with THC products.

“The councilors and principals are always saying we’re seeing a lot of the vaping taking place. When I talk with probation officers, it’s the marijuana, their vaping,” Bartel said.

The conference was an opportunity for the alcohol and drug awareness council to highlight to East Texas leaders ease of access.

New vape laws set to impact how schools’ discipline students

“Kids, they’re not always being checked for their age, when they’re going in and buying these products, they get it from their parents, their friends,” Bartel said.

Lawmakers are working to bring a change to the legislation and education children on the side effects of THC.

“It’s so important that we educate these youth on the downside and the drawbacks that we see in people that are engaged in that type of abuse,” State Rep. Trent Ashby said.

Hoping that together and through dialogue they can extinguish the issue together.

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