CDC Report Shows Teen Vape Use Hits a 10-Year Low: What You Need to Know

The latest report from the CDC has revealed some promising news about the state of teen vaping in the U.S. According to data from 2024, the percentage of high school and middle school students using vapes has dropped significantly, reaching its lowest point in over a decade. But what does this mean for the future of teen vaping, and what other trends are emerging in this rapidly changing landscape? Let’s dive in.

The Current State of Teen Vaping in the U.S.

Vaping remains the most commonly used tobacco product among American teens, and it continues to spark debates about its potential risks and appeal. While there’s been a decline in the overall use of vapes, the increasing availability and popularity of nicotine pouches has raised concerns about their potential impact on young users. Many worry that these products may serve as an entry point to nicotine addiction.

Despite these concerns, the CDC's latest report offers some hope. Between 2023 and 2024, the percentage of middle and high school students who reported current use of vapes dropped from 7.7% to 5.9%. This significant decline signals that efforts to reduce teen vaping might finally be taking effect. However, the report also shows that the use of nicotine pouches among teens remains relatively unchanged, with 1.8% of students reporting current use.

The Impact on Public Health

While the decrease in teen vape use is a win, public health experts emphasize that it’s not time to let our guard down just yet. Comprehensive tobacco control strategies, including regulations and enforcement, remain essential to further reduce teen access to both vapes and nicotine pouches.

The CDC’s report shows that 5.9% of students in middle and high school currently use vapes, with 7.8% of high school students and 3.5% of middle school students reporting current use. Among those who vape, 38.4% report frequent use, and 26.3% say they vape daily. These numbers still reflect a significant portion of the youth population, making it clear that continued vigilance is needed.

What Are Teens Vaping?

The types of devices that teens are using have shifted over the years. According to the report, disposable vapes are now the most popular choice among young users, accounting for 55.6% of all vape devices used. Pre-filled or refillable pods and cartridges make up 15.6% of the market, while mods and tank systems (such as vape pens and customized devices) are used by 7.0% of teens. A surprising 21.8% of users were unsure of what type of device they were using, which may indicate a lack of awareness or a tendency to use products that aren’t properly labeled.

Vape Flavors: What Are Teens Choosing?

A major factor in teen vape use is the availability of flavored products. The report reveals that a staggering 87.6% of students who vape use flavored products. Fruit flavors lead the charge, with 62.8% of users opting for fruity flavors like mango, berry, and watermelon. Candy flavors are also a popular choice, with 33.3% of students choosing sweet, candy-like tastes. Mint and menthol flavors, known for their cool, refreshing hit, are used by 25.1% of teen vapers.

These flavors are often marketed with youth in mind, and their appeal to young users is a key reason for their widespread popularity. However, experts warn that these flavors can mask the harshness of nicotine, making it easier for teens to become addicted without fully understanding the risks involved.

The Rise of Nicotine Pouches Among Teens

While vaping remains the most common nicotine product among teens, nicotine pouches have seen a significant increase in use. ZYN is the most popular brand among teens, with 68.7% of users reporting they use this product. Other brands like on! and Rogue follow closely behind, but overall, the use of nicotine pouches has not seen the same dramatic rise as vapes.

Interestingly, 85.6% of students who use nicotine pouches prefer flavored versions of the product. The most popular flavors among teens include mint (53.3%), fruit (22.4%), and menthol (19.3%). These pouches are easy to use and discreet, which may contribute to their rising popularity among young people.

What Does the Future Hold?

Looking ahead, the future of teen vaping remains uncertain, and although we’ve seen a decrease in vaping rates, there are many factors at play that could influence whether this trend continues or takes a different turn. The CDC estimates that 1.63 million middle and high school students are currently using vapes in 2024, which is a notable decrease from the 2.13 million reported in 2023. While this decline is an encouraging sign, it's important to recognize that teen vaping is still widespread, and many challenges remain to further reduce its prevalence.

One of the biggest factors contributing to this uncertain future is the ongoing evolution of the vaping industry. Vapes have become incredibly popular, partly due to their availability in a wide range of appealing flavors. The widespread use of these flavored products is largely responsible for the attraction they hold for younger users. Many teens are drawn to sweet, fruity, or candy-like flavors, which make the act of vaping more enjoyable. These flavors can mask the harshness of nicotine, making it easier for young people to become addicted without realizing the long-term impact on their health.

Despite the drop in vaping numbers, there’s an increasing concern about the rise in popularity of nicotine pouches. While they are currently not as widely used as vapes, nicotine pouches have been growing in sales, and experts worry that they might become the next big product among teens, filling the gap left by traditional vapes. These pouches are discreet, easy to use, and come in a variety of flavors that appeal to younger audiences. In fact, in 2024, it’s estimated that 480,000 teens are using nicotine pouches. This represents a steady rate of usage compared to previous years, and it highlights that even if the vaping rate decreases, other nicotine products are still taking root.

This shift to nicotine pouches isn’t just a small trend — it’s a larger signal that young people continue to find ways to access nicotine in different forms. With the potential for new products entering the market and existing ones evolving, the future of nicotine use among teens may look very different than it does today. Whether or not vaping continues its decline, the likelihood of new and creative methods of nicotine consumption popping up means that the battle is far from over. Teens are resilient in finding new ways to engage with products that seem both exciting and discreet.

The Bottom Line: Keep Up the Fight

While the drop in teen vaping is certainly a positive step forward, public health advocates emphasize that much work still needs to be done. The battle against teen nicotine addiction is not something that can be won with just one victory. The popularity of flavored vapes and nicotine pouches shows that the war against nicotine addiction is far from over. In fact, it’s only evolving.

For advocates, this is a clear signal that we must continue pushing for stronger tobacco control policies and enforcement measures. The current regulations might not be enough to keep up with the growing and changing market. Flavored vapes and pouches are still easily accessible to teens, and that needs to change. Stronger regulations, such as banning flavored products that appeal specifically to younger users, could be a crucial step in reducing the attraction of these nicotine products.

Public health experts agree that education plays a critical role in combating teen vaping. Many teens may not fully understand the dangers of nicotine addiction or the long-term effects of using these products. Increased educational programs in schools, social media awareness campaigns, and outreach efforts can all help make a significant impact. By focusing on prevention and teaching teens about the health risks associated with vaping and nicotine use, we can reduce the likelihood of them trying these products in the first place.

Equally important is improving enforcement of existing regulations. While some states and local governments have implemented stricter age verification processes and restrictions on where vapes can be sold, it’s clear that there are still gaps in enforcement that make it too easy for teens to access these products. Stores and online vendors must be held accountable for selling products to minors, and there must be a concerted effort to crack down on the illegal sales of these products.

It’s also critical to recognize that the battle against nicotine addiction is ongoing, not just for teens but for people of all ages. Nicotine is an addictive substance, and once someone becomes dependent on it, quitting can be incredibly difficult. The rise of new products like nicotine pouches is a reminder that as long as there is a market for nicotine, there will be people attempting to exploit that market.

With all of these factors in mind, it’s clear that we must remain vigilant. The decline in teen vaping is a victory, but it is not the end of the fight. New products will continue to emerge, and young people will find new ways to access nicotine. The key is staying ahead of these trends, continuing to educate, and pushing for strong regulations that prioritize the health and safety of our youth.

At the same time, we need to remember that each step forward, even small ones, counts. While it may seem like an uphill battle, every policy change, every successful enforcement action, and every teen who turns away from vaping brings us closer to a healthier future. The CDC report shows we’re heading in the right direction, but there’s still much more to be done. The fight against teen nicotine use isn’t over yet, and it’s up to all of us to keep up the pressure. Only by staying proactive and engaged will we be able to see the continued decline in teen vaping and prevent future generations from falling into nicotine addiction.If you're looking for a healthy vape,why not try something like the Raz Disposable Vape or the Geek Bar no nicotine vape?