San Antonio Schools Grapple with Surge in Student THC Vape Use

Northside Independent School District sees over 22% spike in THC vape incidents on campuses

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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More than 1,000 high school and middle school students in Northside Independent School District were caught with THC-infused vapes on campus last school year, a 22% increase from the previous year. School leaders say the problem is exacerbated by a lack of regulation and easy access to these products, despite recent legislation aimed at curbing vaping among youth.

Why it matters

The rise in THC vape use among San Antonio students highlights the ongoing challenge schools face in keeping dangerous and illegal substances off campuses. It also points to the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to limit youth access to these products, which can have serious health consequences.

The details

In the 2024-25 school year, 759 high school students (2.32%) and 239 middle school students (1.11%) in Northside Independent School District were caught with THC vapes on campus, triggering felony charges. School officials say the concentration and potency of these products is "plaguing" administrators and staff, describing the situation as the "wild west" due to the lack of regulation.

  • In the 2024-25 school year, 759 high school students and 239 middle school students were caught with THC vapes on Northside Independent School District campuses.
  • The number of THC vape incidents increased by more than 22% compared to the previous school year.

The players

Northside Independent School District

The largest school district in San Antonio, Texas, which has seen a significant rise in THC vape incidents among its high school and middle school students.

John M. Craft

The superintendent of Northside Independent School District, who has expressed concerns about the unregulated nature of THC vapes and the difficulty in curtailing their use among students.

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What they’re saying

“It used to be that vapes were, obviously, dangerous, but the vast majority weren't THC infused. Now, it's just the opposite. Most of it is, and it's some bad stuff.”

— John M. Craft, Superintendent, Northside Independent School District (mysanantonio.com)

“I would love to say it's a problem that we are curtailing and getting under control, but we're going to have to have some help... It's too widely accessible... We need legislation to close every store... They set up on every corner it seems like.”

— John M. Craft, Superintendent, Northside Independent School District (mysanantonio.com)

What’s next

Republican leaders in Texas have vowed to close the legal loophole that has allowed for the sale of previously lesser-known cannabinoids like Delta 9 or THC-A, which has contributed to the rise in student access to THC vapes. However, the impact of this new legislation remains to be seen.

The takeaway

The surge in THC vape use among San Antonio students underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations and enforcement to limit youth access to these potentially dangerous products. School districts like Northside Independent are working to educate students and provide alternative programs, but tackling this issue will require a multi-pronged approach involving lawmakers, law enforcement, and the community.