Youth Tobacco

Youth tobacco

Tobacco product use is started and established primarily during adolescence. Most cigarette smokers try their first cigarette before the age of 18. Nearly all first try smoking by age 26. In 2018, Oregon made it illegal to sell tobacco to people under the age of 21 (Tobacco 21). Prior to 2018, it was illegal to sell to those under 18.

Products with flavors such as electronic cigarettes, little cigars and hookah are more popular among youth and young adults compared to older adults. Flavors appear to be a key component for youth to start using tobacco because they mask the harshness of the tobacco. This makes it easier for youth to try and ultimately become addicted to nicotine.

Vaping and e-cigarettes

Laws in the United States limit flavors, labeling and marketing of cigarettes. Cigarettes can no longer contain flavors other than menthol, and cigarette use has declined. However, e-cigarettes are available in flavors and come in packaging that appeals to young people, and are heavily promoted in convenience stores and locations accessible to youth. E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among youth, surpassing conventional cigarettes.

E-cigarettes, such as JUUL, contain nicotine, the same addictive ingredient in conventional tobacco products. There is strong evidence to suggest that these products increase youth nicotine addiction and youth initiation of conventional tobacco products (Oregon Health Authority, 2020).

Resources for Youth, Parents and Guardians

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