This page is for parents, educators, coaches and youth influencers. The content will help you understand the prevalence of teen tobacco and nicotine use in Vermont, the risks associated with use and options for prevention and treatment of teen nicotine addiction.
No Form of Nicotine Delivery is Safe for Youth
The tobacco industry is continually introducing new products which use nicotine to hook users on their products.
Vapes contain harmful metals, such as arsenic and lead. As e-cigarettes deliver flavorings, additives, and, typically, high levels of nicotine through an inhaled aerosol, they are harmful to both the user and those who are exposed secondhand.
Disposable devices are the most popular type of electronic cigarettes among high school students who currently use. With the high prevalence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette, e-cigs or vapes) and increasing popularity of oral nicotine pouches among youth, teens and young adults, the Health Department Tobacco Control Program is educating on harms to consumers to prevent product initiation and reduce nicotine use.
Safe Disposal of Vapes
Under federal and state law, vapes, e-liquid containers and lithium-ion batteries are considered hazardous waste. Safe storage and disposal can protect from poisoning, explosions and fires. Schools are required to follow hazardous waste disposal guidelines when disposing of vapes. Learn more about vape storage and disposal from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. Effective January 1, 2027, nicotine vape collection will be free for Vermont residents and schools via their local Solid Waste Management Entity.
Oral Nicotine Products
Oral nicotine pouches containing nicotine, flavorings and other chemical ingredients, are placed between the lip and gum where nicotine is absorbed. Whether made from tobacco plants or made in a lab, nicotine pouches are not a safe alternative to smoking or vaping and are not FDA approved for quitting any other form of tobacco use. Oral nicotine pouches are never safe for youth, young adults, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Tobacco free does not = nicotine free.
Flavored Tobacco is Designed for Youth
Young people are more likely than adults to use flavors. The tobacco and vape industry markets flavored products to get youth to start using and keep them hooked. Flavors are toxic chemicals that when inhaled, can cause cancer and lung disease. Flavors, including mint, mask the harsh taste of tobacco and nicotine, making it easier to use but harder to quit.
Data on Youth Tobacco and Nicotine Use
Electronic vapor products remain the most common tobacco product used among Vermont high school students. Currently, 14% of Vermont high school students say they used electronic vapor products (e.g. vapes) at least once in the past 30 days. Of those students, 36% did so daily, raising concern for addiction, increased likelihood of future cigarette use and lifelong nicotine dependence. Electronic vapor products include vapes, e-cigarettes, e-cigs, mods, e-hookahs, or vape pens such as JUUL, Vuse, NJOY, Elf Bar, or Esco Bars.
Vaping Rates Over Time
Source: 2015–2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey; U.S. rate is not yet available.
High School Student Populations who Vape at a Statistically Higher Rate than Vermont Overall
Current Vaping Rate (%)
Note: See more data here. Subjective Social Status is a proxy measure for socioeconomic status. IEP or 501 Plan = Individualized Education Plan or support and services for students with disabilities.
Source: 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
More than one in six (18%) high school students in Vermont report currently using any tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and electronic vapor products. Among high school students who currently use any tobacco, 45% are using two or more tobacco products. One in 17 high school students currently smoke cigarettes (6%). Smoking rates are higher among high school students who are LGBTQ+, identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), older, male, or who have an IEP or 504 Plan. Six percent of high school students currently use smokeless tobacco, which includes chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, snus, dissolvable tobacco products, or nicotine pouches while four percent use cigars, little cigars, or cigarillos.
The Health Department’s Health Statistics and Informatics Division gathers Vermont-specific data to measure and understand tobacco use and quit behaviors among adults and youth, as well as perceptions of harm and the support and impact of current and future policies/programs.
