Sessions

Vaping continues to evolve at a rapid pace, extending far beyond nicotine. This session explores the expanding world of vape devices used to consume cannabis, high-potency THC concentrates, synthetic cannabinoids, and other illicit substances — often hidden in plain sight. Participants will learn how modern vape devices are designed to evade detection, how stash vapes and altered devices function, and why these products present unique risks for youth and adults alike. Through real-world examples and current trend analysis, this session equips attendees with the knowledge needed to recognize, understand, and respond to emerging vaping behaviors in their communities.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the latest vaping devices used for nicotine, cannabis, and other drugs, including stash and modified vapes.

2. Understand how vape technology has evolved to conceal drug use and avoid detection in schools, vehicles, and public settings.

3. Recognize emerging substances being consumed through vaping beyond traditional nicotine products.

4. Assess the health, safety, and legal implications associated with modern vaping trends.

5. Apply practical strategies to improve awareness, prevention, and response efforts within their professional roles.

Drug use has undergone significant changes, creating new and complex threats to public health and safety, especially in the realm of impaired driving. While alcohol has traditionally been seen as the primary culprit, it is now often part of a much broader problem. The rise of multi-substance, or polydrug, impairment has brought heightened risks to schools, workplaces, and roadways. Individuals are increasingly combining alcohol with other drugs or impairment-causing substances, frequently without understanding or considering the dangers these mixtures pose. This trend has quickly escalated into a public health crisis, complicating efforts to prevent impaired driving and reduce the tragic outcomes of crashes and fatalities linked to multi-substance drug use. Mixing and matching different drugs in pursuit of a “stronger, longer high” or specific effects is a particularly concerning behavior, making detection, intervention, and treatment more challenging than ever before. This workshop will address the false and often misconceived “more is better” thinking of drug use, the evolving trends of multi-substance drug use, and its effects on safe driving, public health and community safety.