Researchers argue age-gating needed to prevent easy access to weed-vaping videos on YouTube

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Summary

Australian researchers are cautioning that unrestricted access to YouTube videos that portray vaping cannabis as fun could up weed use in adolescents. Researchers reviewed a cross-sectional sample of 200 YouTube vaping videos from 2016 to 2020 to examine themes and metrics. Of concern was that more than half, 52 per cent, of the videos included as part of the study by University of Queensland researchers had no age restrictions. Statistics Canada figures showed that, pre-legalization, just shy of 20 per cent of 15- to 17-year-olds reported using weed in the past three months compared to just over 10 per cent post-legalization. Teen cannabis use is on the decline, while adult use is increasing overall: StatsCan Teen boys think using weed could lead to more and better sex, while adolescent girls suggest cooling their jets Do you prefer 'high-potency' weed?

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Australian researchers are cautioning that unrestricted access to YouTube videos that portray vaping cannabis as fun could up weed use in adolescents.

Of concern was that more than half, 52 per cent, of the videos included as part of the study by University of Queensland researchers had no age restrictions.

Additionally, the videos “showed elements of risk-taking behaviour, including vaping a whole cartridge of THC” in a single setting, notes a statement from the university. “Videos that portrayed risky behaviour appear...

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