- 4.69% of Californian teens have used e-cigs: 35% below the national average (7%).
- Utah boasts the lowest teen vaping rate at just 3.79% – nearly half the national average.
- Southern states dominate danger zones with Arkansas, West Virginia, and Tennessee all ranking in the top five worst offenders.
A new study has revealed teen vaping rates across America, with some states well above or below the average rate of 7%.
The research by Olofly, hemp industry experts, examined e-cigarette use among 12-17 year olds across all 50 states, using data sourced from the 2022/23 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
California has the second lowest rate of teen vaping in the country, with only 4.69% of teens having vaped. This is 35% below the national average rate of 7%.
“These figures expose a major health crisis that looks completely different depending on which state you’re in,” warned Mike Rollins, COO of Olofly. “The fact that New Mexico’s teens are almost three times more likely to vape than Utah’s raises serious questions about what these states are doing differently.”
“Utah has done something right here,” Rollins pointed out. “With vaping rates less than half what we’re seeing nationally, their playbook on regulation and education deserves a serious look from other states struggling with this issue.”
Sweet-tasting vapes remain the biggest draw for young users, with the CDC Foundation finding that flavored products make up over 80 percent of all e-cigarette sales. The most popular options among teens come in fruit, candy, and mint varieties that mask the harsh tobacco taste.
Not coincidentally, California and Utah, both states with low teen vaping rates, have tough restrictions on flavored tobacco products. The dramatic impact of such policies was demonstrated in Massachusetts, where flavored e-cigarette sales plummeted by 98 percent after comprehensive restrictions took effect.
“The numbers don’t lie: state policies on flavored vapes directly impact teen usage,” Rollins added. “States that crack down on these products see fewer kids getting hooked. Lawmakers looking to protect their young constituents from nicotine addiction should take note of what’s working.”
