Colorado Youth Smoking and Vaping Rates Decline, But Concerns Remain

Colorado's youth smoking and vaping rates have shown promising trends in recent years, with a significant decline in current e-cigarette use among high school students and a decrease in cigarette use. However, the data also highlight some areas of concern, including the increased use of flavored vape products and experimentation with vapor products at a young age. Policy changes, such as the Tobacco 21 law and Proposition EE, have contributed to these positive trends, but continued efforts are needed to reinforce tobacco-free habits and provide support for young people who use tobacco.

Key Takeaways:

• Current e-cigarette use among high school students has decreased significantly (16%, down from 26% in 2019).
• The percentage of high school students who currently use cigarettes is also down significantly (3%, down from 6%).
• Current use of any tobacco product has decreased (17%, down from 29%).
• The percentage of students who believe parents and adults in their neighborhood think youth smoking and vaping is wrong has increased.
• The number of students who say they vape because tobacco vapor products are cheaper than other tobacco products and those who believe it would be easy to get cigarettes or vapor products if they wanted them have decreased.

Statistics:

• 16% of high school students currently use e-cigarettes, down from 26% in 2019.
• 3% of high school students currently use cigarettes, down from 6%.
• 17% of high school students currently use any tobacco product, down from 29%.
• 22% of high school students tried vape products before the age of 13, up from 13% in 2019.
• More than 36 local ordinances in Colorado communities now require retailers who sell tobacco products to obtain a license.

Sources:

• Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, 2021
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
• Colorado State Legislature, Tobacco 21 Law
• Colorado State Legislature, Proposition EE