Researchers: Use of cigarettes, alcohol down, while e-cigs, pot increase among Charlotte children

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Children across Charlotte are smoking fewer cigarettes and drinking less alcohol, but using more electronic cigarettes and marijuana.

Researchers at UNC Charlotte surveyed 10,000 middle and high school students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district.

Researchers found that more than 3 percent of students said they had smoked a cigarette in a 30-day period.

However, when it came to smoking e-cigarettes, the number nearly quadrupled.

Many brands of e-cigarettes have more nicotine than a regular cigarette.

Researchers are calling the trend alarming.

Nearly 13 percent of students surveyed said they drink, which is down from almost 16 percent in 2015.

However, smoking pot outnumbers alcohol use. More than 13 percent of students said they use marijuana.

Researchers said public awareness about the dangers of smoking and drinking are helping children avoid traditional cigarettes and alcohol.

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