Inhaling Health: Exploring the Advancements in Inhalable Drug Delivery

Rise of Inhalable Drugs Globally

The use of inhalable drugs like cannabis, nicotine and opioids has seen a massive rise all over the world in the past decade. These drugs are getting increasingly inhaled through various means like vaporizers, e-cigarettes and other novel methods to get users high. While regulations differ in different countries and regions, a global trend of increasing popularity of such inhalable substances is clearly noticeable.

Changing Attitudes and Regulations
The traditional stigma around drugs like cannabis is slowly fading away in many parts of the world. An increasing number of countries are legalizing medical and recreational marijuana while decriminalizing personal use. Countries like Canada, Uruguay, Germany and Thailand have relaxed their cannabis laws recently. Even in the U.S., states after states are legalizing marijuana despite it being illegal under federal law. Such changes in regulations have made it easier for people to access and use these substances through inhalation.

Rise of Vaping and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
The emergence of vaping and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) like e-cigarettes has revolutionized the way nicotine is consumed globally. E-cigarette sales have grown exponentially in the last decade with China, U.S. and Brazil reporting some of the highest shares. Vaping is becoming increasingly popular among youth and young adults as an alternative to smoking. While regulated nicotine vaping is considered safer than smoking, rising youth uptake has become a public health concern. The recent vaping-associated lung injury outbreak in the U.S. has also raised new questions on ENDS safety.

Growing Cannabis Vaping Trend
Unlike smoked cannabis which can be harsh, vaping cannabis extracts through vaporizers provides a smooth inhalation experience for users. This has made cannabis vaping one of the fastest growing methods of marijuana consumption worldwide. Vaporizer pens that can discreetly vape cannabis oil are especially popular among young urban users. Canada which legalized recreational marijuana in 2018 has seen a spike in demand for vape cartridges and pods. The cannabis vaping is expected to grow exponentially with more countries regulating marijuana s. However, concerns remain over unregulated vaping devices and product quality.

Novel Inhalation Methods Concern Regulators
With the internet facilitating sharing of information, newer innovative ways of inhaling drugs through mechanisms like dab rigs, concentrate pens and advanced vaporizers are worrying regulators. Concentrated waxy marijuana extracts with very high THC content are starting to gain popularity globally when vaped through specialized devices at high temperatures. Similarly, novel ways of vaporizing concentrated opioid solutions extracted from poppy plants are being witnessed on dark web s and specialized drug forums. Regulating such niche but potent products inhaled through new mechanisms remains a challenge for authorities.

Asia Emerges as Major Consumer
While traditional drug hubs like the Americas and Europe still dominate the inhalable drug landscape, new consumption hotspots are emerging in Asia with changing attitudes and rising incomes. Thailand has become one of the leading medical marijuana s in Southeast Asia. Vaping is gaining traction in China, Philippines and Indonesia due to aggressive ing by local and global manufacturers. The popularity of hash oil vaporizers and concentrated cannabis extracts among urban youth in China, Nepal and Bangladesh raises public health concerns in the regions. Anti-drug advocacy groups are urging regional cooperation to counter rising Asian demand for inhalable substances.

Public Health Impact Needs Evaluation
With such diverse global trends in using inhalable substances emerging, their wider public health ramifications need comprehensive evaluation. Initial data indicates risks of nicotine addiction and dependency with long term vaping. However, long-term health impacts of marijuana and other drug vaping are still unclear due to limited research. The use of non-pharmaceutical grade vaping hardware and oils has led to respiratory illnesses which require further investigation. There are also social and mental health implications of rising youth substance use that demands public policy attention. Overall, a balanced scientific assessment of harms and benefits is required to adopt evidence-based policies around alternative modes of inhalation based drug consumption worldwide.