ABC – Australia: Cannabis vapes disguised as pens, lip balm, even airpod cases – “penjamins”
In short:
There are concerns about the growing popularity among young people of cannabis vapes disguised as pens, keys, lip gloss and airpod cases — called “penjamins”.
There are also fears the use of the vapes could lead to anxiety, agitation, paranoia and even psychosis.
What’s next?
A drug and alcohol educator says due to the discreet nature of the penjamin, most parents “wouldn’t have a clue” if their kids are using them.
They can take the form of a pen that actually works, a lip gloss, a car key or an airpod case.
They’re called penjamins — deliberately disguised to look like everyday objects, allowing the user to vape cannabis discreetly.
Social media, in particular TikTok, has thousands of posts about penjamins being used covertly in schools, at work and even at airports.
Paul Dillon, Director of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia, said penjamins were in the top five topics young people wanted to discuss when he visited schools across Australia.
“So certainly there is an awareness about them if not significant use,” Mr Dillon said.
Here is an example of the types of questions students are asking Mr Dillon:
“What’s the deal with these weed vapes? If they got caught with one, would they get into trouble?”
One student said their friends had told them “it’s safer than smoking it” and they had “bought a penjamin after seeing different ones on TikTok”.
