Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes) are known by many different names, such as “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “vapes,” “tank systems,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)”.  They come in many shapes and sizes, such as the look of a regular cigarette, cigars, pipes, USB flash drives, pens, and other everyday items. They all produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine and other chemicals that help to make the aerosol. Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called “vaping” or “Juuling.”

It can be difficult to identify and prevent someone underage who is using e-cigarettes because the devices are easy to conceal and hard to identify as a nicotine delivery system. This is due to the products looking similar to everyday items, like the USB above (Juul), and the speed in which new products enter the market.

Juul has a high level of nicotine, which is twice the amount of nicotine concentrate as many other brands of e-cigarettes. According to the manufacturer, a single Juul pod is equivalent to a pack of 20 regular cigarettes.

Vaping marijuana has been on the rise in recent years.
Learn more on our Cannabis webpage.

2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey

As detailed in the graph above, youth across the nation are using e-cigarettes at higher rates than cigarettes.  This is no different in Nevada.

Flavored E-Cigarettes

Flavored products, especially Juul, have fueled this epidemic – nearly all (97%) of current youth e-cigarette users use flavored products and 70% use e-cigarettes “because they come in flavors I like.” E-cigarettes are sold in over 15,000 flavors, from mint and menthol to gummy bear and cotton candy.

To address this crisis, the Trump Administration announced in September 2019 that it planned to clear the market of flavored e-cigarettes. However, the final policy the Administration issued in January 2020 left thousands of flavored e-cigarette products on the market in over 100,000 locations across the country – including in convenience stores, gas stations and vape shops.

The Administration’s policy prohibited most flavors in one type of e-cigarette – cartridge- or pod-based products like Juul. But it contains gaping loopholes that allow e-cigarette makers to continue luring and addicting kids with other flavored products. Flavored e-cigarettes that remain widely available under the Administration’s plan include:

  • Disposable e-cigarettes that are sold in a variety of kid-friendly flavors, colorfully packaged, cheap, easy to use and hide, and deliver massive doses of nicotine (as much or more than a whole pack of cigarettes).
  • Nicotine e-liquids sold in over 15,000 flavors.
  • Refillable devices like Smok and Suorin, the most popular brands among high school students after Juul.
  • Menthol varieties of Juul and other pod-based e-cigarettes.

Read more at TobaccoFreeKids.Org

Youth Risk Behavior Survey (Nevada)

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey is conducted across the state of Nevada every two years. This survey is administered to both middle and high school students and the local data informs decision makers on a variety of issues including substance misuse.

Middle School

In Clark County, 10.2% of middle school students who used electronic vapor products during the 30 days before the survey.  This is a 3.9% increase since 2015.

High School

In Clark County, 16.9% of high school students reported they have vaporized marijuana during the past 30 days before the survey.  This is a 15.1% increase since 2017.

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (Nevada)

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is the nation’s premier system of health-related telephone surveys that collect state data about U.S. residents regarding their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services.

In 2017, 5.4 % Nevadans reported they currently use e-cigarettes.  This system shows us a decrease since 2016.

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