It is my pleasure to introduce this Special Topic Issue of the Journal of Addictions Nursing on noncombustible nicotine and cannabis use-continuing controversies and evidence. In this issue, articles address a number of important topics in the addictions field, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), teenage vaping, and the importance of screening for electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use.
We begin with a Guest Editorial, "ENDS: What are they exactly and why should we be conferenced?", by Dr. Carolyn Baird. She discusses ENDS and the nurses' role and offers a number of resources that may be helpful to nurses and their patients. We have a second Guest Editorial by Dr. Nancy Campbell and a DNP student, Kristen Maker, on combating teen vaping in schools. Finally, we have a Guest Editorial by Dr. Diane Snow on nicotine addiction, e-cigarette use, and associated nursing implications.
Drs. Douglas, Solecki, and Fay-Hillier's article identifies the health impact and potential dangers related to the vaping epidemic that conflict with teens' risk beliefs that vaping is harmless. They state that, to protect our youth, a comprehensive approach to harm reduction is imperative.
Next, Drs. Bernstein and Lee and Lisa Vera, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, explore critical reviews of synthetic marijuana (also known as "K2" and "Spice") synthesizing information from literature reviews, case studies, media information, and government websites. Nurses have a role to play in understanding the detrimental effects of synthetic marijuana and educating others about them as well.
Jillian Hallady, a PhD candidate, and her colleagues examine the relationship between cannabis use and mental illness, which is essential for nurses to understand. They examine the relationships between cannabis use and depression, anxiety, and suicide with a discussion of implications for nurses.
Dr. Li Wong and colleague's article reports on the results of their study to understand the association between e-cigarette use behaviors and salivary cotinine (a metabolite of nicotine) to inform the development of future e-cigarette control policies.
Next, Dr. McClelland and colleagues present a study using a mixed methods approach to understand the short-term physiological implications of vaping compared with people who do not vape and to investigate the reasons people choose to vape compared with those who choose not to vape. Both the short- and long-term effects of vaping need to be better understood so effective interventions may be developed.
Dr. Nativio and Joshua Palmer, a DNP student, present an overview of issues associated with adolescent ENDS use. They discuss the importance of including ENDS screening into our established screening protocols and then, for those who screen positive, providing quality interventions (using motivational interviewing) that are effective and developmentally appropriate.
We have a PhD candidate, Yasemin Selekogu Ok, and colleagues present their study to evaluate the validity and reliability of the E-Cigarette Use Outcome Expectancies Scale in the Turkish context. The outcome expectancies of young adults regarding e-cigarette use and their perceptions of these products can be determined, thus leading to prevention efforts.
We also have two columns in this Special Topics Issue. In the Research Reviews column, Dr. Campbell and Kristen Baker present several recent articles addressing the concepts of susceptibility to e-cigarette experimentation and addiction. In the Stories From the Field column, Dr. Rundio presents his personal reflections on his family's story with nicotine dependency with implications for nurses everywhere.
Finally, during these turbulent times, let us remember to advocate for all those with mental health and substance use issues and the healthcare professionals who care for them. Stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy.