Marijuana and E-Cigarettes

Tuesday, Oct. 30
10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Program Track: Periodontal and Systemic Interrelationships
Moderator: Cynthia Yee 
Speakers: Purnima Kumar and David A. Scott

Over the past few years, both electronic cigarettes and marijuana have dramatically increased in use. E-cigarettes have emerged as popular alternatives to conventional cigarettes. Seven years after their introduction in the U.S., 20.4 million individuals (including 2.5 million high schoolers) are using this product. They are legal, touted in the media as effective smoking cessation aids, and have surpassed conventional cigarettes as the most popular “tobacco” product among young adults. Similarly, marijuana is legal for adults over the age of 21 in nine states, and medical marijuana is legal in 29. Evidence is emerging that these two habits may have implications for oral health, particularly periodontal health. This presentation will discuss the latest evidence by two of the leaders in research in this area.

Educational Objectives:
• Describe the chemistry of the compounds in these two habit inducing products.
• Examine how these products impact oral and periodontal health.
• Gain action items to take into practice and share with their patients.