The Rise of 'Penjamins': Disguised Cannabis Vapes Among Youth

Disguised cannabis vaping devices, often called 'penjamins,' are becoming increasingly popular among young people. These sleek, concealable vaporizers are designed to resemble common items like lip balms, earphone cases, or car keys, making them easy to hide and carry discreetly. The trend has gained momentum on social media platforms such as TikTok, where users share tips and tricks for using these devices without detection.

Originally, e-cigarettes or vapes were created to deliver nicotine without smoke, offering a smokeless alternative for smokers looking to quit. However, in recent years, the use of vapes to consume other psychoactive substances—particularly cannabis concentrates and oils—has surged. Cannabis vapes, often called THC vape pens, have seen a notable rise in popularity, especially in Australia, where recent surveys indicate an increase from 7% in 2019 to over 25% in 2022-23 among individuals who have used cannabis.

Young people are especially susceptible to this trend, utilizing 'penjamins' for vaping cannabis oil, which often contains high concentrations of THC—the compound responsible for the characteristic 'high.' Vaping THC can produce more intense effects and significant cognitive impairment compared to traditional smoking because less THC is lost during vaporization. Studies from North America reveal that consumers are shifting toward highly potent products like oils and concentrates, heightening the risk of cannabis use disorder and mental health issues.

The risks extend beyond THC content. The solvents and additives used in the production of vaping oils—such as vitamin E acetate—have been linked to severe lung injuries, notably EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury). This condition led to thousands of hospitalizations and several deaths across the U.S. between 2019 and 2020. The lack of regulation in the market raises concerns about the safety of untested or contaminated products, including illicit cannabis oils used in devices like penjamins.

Regarding legality, recreational cannabis remains illegal under federal law in Australia, although medicinal cannabis is permitted with a prescription. Recent reforms prohibit the sale of disposable vapes such as penjamins, but an illicit market persists, making these products accessible despite restrictions.

In terms of safety, vaping cannabis is often considered less harmful than smoking because it avoids combustion-related respiratory issues. Nevertheless, it carries its own risks, particularly with high THC levels, which can cause intense intoxication, impaired cognition, and long-term mental health concerns, especially among adolescents and young adults whose brains are still developing. Inhaling vapor can also cause respiratory symptoms, including bronchitis and wheezing.

The composition of cannabis vapes is another concern. These products may contain harmful solvents and additives that are not always safely processed, with some linked to serious lung injuries. Unregulated products without quality control pose a significant health hazard.

Comparing nicotine and cannabis vaping involves understanding different risks. Nicotine vapes may assist smokers in quitting but remain addictive and potentially harmful. Cannabis vapes, especially when highly potent, pose risks to mental development and can lead to substance use disorders. For non-smokers and minors, avoiding both types of vaping products is generally the safest choice.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-penjamins-disguised-cannabis-vapes-gaining.html