Youth Vaping

Vapes -- also known as e-cigarettes -- are the most commonly used tobacco products among U.S. middle and high school students. Vapes come in many varieties. Some popular brands, such as JUUL, have used social media influencers to promote the product's sleek look and flavors to young people. According to the most recent survey by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 4 million high school students are currently vaping. The U.S. Surgeon General has declared vaping among youth an epidemic.

In California, as cigarette smoking among youth has decreased to historic lows, vaping has dramatically increased. While it is lower than the national average, 11% of California high school students in 2018 reported that they used vapes in the past 30 days.

The increased use of vapes is driven, in part, by the belief that vapes are safe and are not addictive like cigarettes. However, the e-liquid in most vape products contains nicotine, an addictive substance that impacts adolescent brain development. One JUUL pod, the most popular vape product, contains as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.

Vapes can also contain other substances, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Since vapes are currently sold without much regulation, e-liquid can be contaminated with unknown substances. There have been reports of illness and even deaths among people who use vapes.

Many students have realized that vapes can be addictive and have decided that they want to quit vaping. More than a quarter of California high school students who vape reported that they had made an attempt to stop vaping. We are here to help them successfully quit.

Quitting Support

The California Smokers’ Helpline has 27 years of helping people make lasting behavior change. Our highly trained, caring counselors are available six days a week to answer any questions.

Call 1-844-8-NO-VAPE(1-844-866-8273) or CHAT NOW.