PHOM Indicator Profile Report of Electronic Cigarettes / Vape Products

Why Is This Important?

Electronic cigarettes or vape products are battery-powered devices that turn liquids into aerosol. They are marketed under a variety of different names but are most commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape products, mods, or tanks. They may also be known by their brand names (e.g. JUUL, Vuse, Suorin, MarkTen, Blu, Puff Bar). The liquids frequently contain nicotine and flavors. Since 2011, Utah has seen a sharp increase in vape product experimentation and use among youth and young adults. Given the uncertain public health impact of vaping and the potential for increasing nicotine addiction among young people, monitoring the use of vape products and enforcing and strengthening policies that regulate youth access are public health priorities for Utah.

Data Source

Prevention Needs Assessment Survey

Data Notes

Experimentation is defined as "ever tried"; current use is defined as use in the past 30 days. In 2023, the survey questions were revised to ask about nicotine and marijuana vaping separately. The 2023 vaping data presented here is for students who responded that they vaped either nicotine or marijuana, or both substances.

How Are We Doing?

From 2017 to 2021, the percentage of Utah high school students who reported e-cigarette or vape product use increased from 7.6% to 9.7% (Utah YRBS). In 2023, 5.7% of Utah high school students reported vaping in the past 30 days.

What Is Being Done?

To limit youth access to vape products and regulate the contents of these products, Utah law requires that tobacco retailers are licensed through the Utah Tax Commission to sell electronic cigarettes and other vape products. The sale of vape products to those younger than 21 years is prohibited. Most flavored products can only be sold in tobacco retail specialty stores and further restrictions were passed during Utah's 2024 legislative session. Since vape products are included in the Utah Indoor Clean Air Act, vaping in indoor public places is prohibited. These measures are intended to reduce youth vaping and nicotine addiction.