Teen drug slang: Current drug terms and street names

“Mom, it’s just za.” “He only hit a blinker.” “They’re using bars.”

If those phrases don’t mean anything to you, you’re not alone.

Every generation develops its own slang, and today’s teens are no different. Social media platforms, texting, gaming, and group chats allow new words to spread almost overnight. Drug slang evolves just as quickly, making it difficult for parents, teachers, coaches, and caregivers to keep up.

Learning these terms doesn’t mean you should jump to conclusions if you hear them. Many words have multiple meanings, and context matters. However, recognizing current drug slang can help adults start informed, nonjudgmental conversations and recognize potential warning signs when they appear alongside changes in behavior.

Alcohol

Common slang: Booze, drinks, shots, getting lit, pregaming, buzzed

Alcohol is often overlooked in conversations about substance use because it is legal for adults, widely available, and socially accepted in many settings. However, alcohol remains one of the most commonly used substances among adolescents and young adults.

Because teens may view alcohol as less dangerous than other drugs, they may underestimate its effects on the developing brain and the risks associated with underage drinking.

Potential risks of alcohol misuse include:

• Impaired judgment and decision-making, which can lead to unsafe choices or increased risk-taking
• Injuries and accidents, including falls, fights, drowning, and motor vehicle crashes
• Risky behaviors, including unsafe sexual activity or situations where a person may be unable to protect themselves or make informed decisions
• Alcohol poisoning, which can occur when someone drinks a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time and may cause vomiting, confusion, seizures, slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, or death
• Memory problems and blackouts, where a person may not remember events that occurred while intoxicated
• Increased risk of developing substance use problems, particularly when alcohol use begins during adolescence

Benzodiazepines

Common slang: Bars, ladders, Xans, xannies, footballs, benzos

Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription medications commonly used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, and seizures. Common examples include Xanax® (alprazolam), Valium® (diazepam), Ativan® (lorazepam), and Klonopin® (clonazepam).

While these medications can be safe and effective when taken exactly as prescribed, they are frequently misused by adolescents and young adults because of their calming and sedating effects.

Misuse of benzodiazepines can impair judgment, coordination, memory, and reaction time, increasing the risk of falls, motor vehicle crashes, and other injuries. Taking high doses may lead to blackouts, confusion, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness.

The risk becomes especially dangerous when benzodiazepines are combined with alcohol, opioids such as fentanyl, or other sedating substances, as these combinations can significantly increase the risk of a fatal overdose.

Possible signs of misuse include:

• Excessive drowsiness or appearing “out of it”
• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination or stumbling
• Memory problems or blackouts
• Mood swings or unusual irritability
• Taking medication that was not prescribed to them

Cannabis (marijuana)

Common slang: Weed, gas, loud, loud pack, flower, bud, tree, trees, green, za/zaza, pack, live resin, blinker, blink

Today’s cannabis products are much different than they were decades ago. Modern products often contain significantly higher concentrations of THC, increasing the risk of impaired judgment, anxiety, panic attacks, accidental poisoning, and dependence.

Cannabis overdose may include:

• Extreme anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Hallucinations
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination

Carts (AKA tanks)

Vape cartridges (“carts”) are one of the most common ways teens use cannabis. These pre-filled cartridges attach to a battery that heats concentrated THC oil into an inhaled aerosol.

Cannabis cartridges are much more potent than traditional marijuana flower.

Vape pens and dab pens

A vape pen is a small handheld device used to inhale cannabis oil. Dab pens use highly concentrated cannabis extracts, often called wax or concentrate. Although there is a technical difference, teens frequently use the terms interchangeably.

Dabs (wax)

“Dabs” are highly concentrated cannabis extracts that may contain 70-90% THC, compared with approximately 5-15% THC in traditional marijuana flower.

Because of their potency, dabs increase the likelihood of severe intoxication, panic attacks, and cannabis poisoning.

Blinker

A blinker refers to inhaling from a vape until the battery light blinks, signaling a long, continuous hit. Completing a blinker often indicates consuming a large amount of THC or nicotine in a single inhalation.

Edibles

Cannabis isn’t only smoked or vaped.

Edibles include gummies, chocolates, cookies, brownies, beverages, butter, candies, and other food products infused with THC.

Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles take 30-60 minutes to begin working, with peak effects occurring 3-4 hours later. Because the effects are delayed, people sometimes consume additional servings before the first dose has taken effect, increasing the risk of overdose symptoms.

Many edible products contain multiple servings in a single package or food item. They also pose a significant risk to young children, who may mistake them for regular candy or snacks.

CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis. Unlike THC, pure CBD is not intoxicating.

While one prescription CBD medication has FDA approval for treating certain seizure disorders, many CBD products sold online and in stores are largely unregulated. Some have been found to contain THC, contaminants, or inaccurate ingredient labels.

Delta-8 THC and other hemp-derived THC products

Common terms: Delta-8, Delta-9, hemp THC

Although hemp-derived THC products are widely available in many states, they can still produce intoxication.

Delta-8 products are commonly sold as:

• Gummies
• Vape cartridges
• Cookies
• Drinks
• Soft gels
• Candies

Some commercially available products have been associated with emergency department visits and accidental poisonings because of inconsistent manufacturing and labeling.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

Today, one of the greatest risks is that fentanyl is frequently mixed into other drugs without the user’s knowledge, including counterfeit prescription pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and occasionally cannabis products such as vape cartridges or edibles.

Even a very small amount can cause a fatal overdose.

Kratom

Common slang: Krat, biak, ketum, kakuam, thang, thom

Kratom misuse has increased in recent years, leading some local municipalities to implement restrictions or bans as awareness grows regarding the potential risks and adverse effects associated with this herbal substance. Kratom is derived from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia and has raised increasing public health concerns due to its potential for misuse and dependence.

It is commonly sold as:

• Powder
• Capsules
• Extract shots
• Tea
• Gummies

Because kratom products are not regulated like prescription medications, they may contain inconsistent amounts of active ingredients or harmful contaminants. Despite being marketed as “natural” or “herbal,” kratom can pose serious health risks, particularly for adolescents and young adults.

At lower doses, kratom may produce stimulant-like effects. At higher doses, it acts more like an opioid and may cause sedation. Regular use can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.

Withdrawal may include muscle aches, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, sweating, and cravings.

Reported side effects of kratom include:

• Increased heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Seizures (in rare cases)

MDMA

Common slang: Molly, E, X, rolls, rolling, beans

MDMA is a synthetic stimulant with hallucinogenic properties.

Although it is sometimes described as a “safer” recreational drug, MDMA can have serious and unpredictable effects. Products sold as MDMA may contain other substances, including dangerous additives or completely different drugs, making it difficult for users to know what they are taking.

MDMA can also cause dangerous health effects, including:

• Increased body temperature (hyperthermia), especially during physical activity or in hot environments
• Dehydration or dangerous changes in fluid balance
• Anxiety, panic, or confusion
• Sleep problems and mood changes after use
• Heart rhythm abnormalities
• Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin activity in the brain

Repeated use of MDMA may affect mood, memory, and emotional regulation. Because the contents and strength of illicit pills or powders are often unknown, the risks can vary significantly from one use to the next.

Nicotine

Common slang: Nic, nic stick, vape, vape juice, e-juice, salt nic, Zyn, upper decky, Elf Bar, Geek Bar, Lost Mary

Nicotine vaping remains one of the most common forms of substance use among adolescents.

Modern disposable devices can deliver thousands of puffs and high concentrations of nicotine, increasing the risk of addiction.

Nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, have also become increasingly popular among teens and young adults.

Prescription stimulants

Common slang: Addy, Addys, study buddies, smarties, beans (sometimes)

Prescription stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin are sometimes misused by teens and young adults who believe they can improve focus, stay awake longer, or boost academic performance during exams or while completing assignments.

Common signs of misuse may include taking someone else’s prescription, using stimulants without a prescription, taking larger doses than prescribed, crushing and snorting pills, or using them to stay awake for long periods of time.

Misuse can cause:

• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure
• Addiction

Synthetic cannabinoids (not marijuana)

Common slang: K2, spice, spice gold, black mamba, Scooby snax, fake weed

Synthetic cannabinoids are not cannabis. They are laboratory-made chemicals sprayed onto dried plant material and often marketed as incense or potpourri.

These products are unpredictable and may cause:

• Severe agitation
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Heart problems
• Kidney injury

Because users rarely know exactly which chemicals are present, synthetic cannabinoids can be far more dangerous than marijuana.

The language will change, but the conversation should continue

Drug slang changes constantly. New products, social media trends, and regional language can cause terms to appear and disappear within months.

Instead of trying to memorize every phrase or strange word, the best approach is maintaining open communication, staying curious, and creating an environment where teens feel comfortable talking honestly about what they’re seeing and hearing.

 

This guide is reviewed annually to keep parents, educators, and caregivers informed about emerging trends in adolescent substance use.

Reviewed July 2026