California's Youth Smoking and Vaping Rates Decrease in 2021

Oct.18.2022
California's Youth Smoking and Vaping Rates Decrease in 2021
The CHKS report shows a decline in tobacco and e-cigarette use among California students, attributed to T21 law.

According to a report from the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), only 1% of 7th and 9th-grade students, and 2% of 11th-grade students reported smoking in 2021, defined as smoking "one or more days" within 30 days prior to the survey. The data also shows that since 2015, smoking rates have decreased by 50% among 7th-grade students, 75% among 9th-grade students, and 71.4% among 11th-grade students.


Furthermore, the use of e-cigarettes has also dropped. According to a survey, e-cigarette usage peaked in 2015, with 7% of students, 13% of 9th graders, and 14% of 11th graders reporting they had used e-cigarettes in the 30 days prior to the survey. However, in 2021, this rate hit an all-time low, with only 2% of 7th graders, 6% of 9th graders, and 10% of 11th graders reporting current e-cigarette use.


Earlier this year, additional data was released regarding the legal impact of California in 2016, which reported a positive trend. The law raised the legal age for tobacco sales from 18 to 21 (T21). In 2016, California passed a law that raised the age limit for tobacco sales from 18 to 21. The Pacific Research and Evaluation Prevention Research Center conducted a study called "New research investigating the impact of California's minimum age of 21 for tobacco sales.


Data compilation shows that the T21 law has had a positive impact on public health among 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students statewide. The survey results are summarized on News-Medical.


Reduce the prevalence of lifelong use of combustible tobacco and e-cigarettes, as well as the past month's use of combustible tobacco among the entire student population.


Over the past month, there has been an increase in the usage of electronic cigarettes.


Reduce lifetime and past 30-day use of all tobacco and nicotine products among Latinx youth.


Positive public health impacts on other racial and ethnic groups that are distinct.


Title: California's E-cigarette Usage Rates, T21, California Health Children Survey A recent survey in California has revealed significant statistics on the usage of electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, in the state. The survey also examined the T21, a law that raises the minimum age for buying tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to 21. The survey, named California Health Children Survey, reported that 7% of surveyed high school students had used e-cigarettes at least once in the past 30 days. Moreover, 15% of 11th graders reported current usage of e-cigarettes. The survey also showed that T21 has resulted in a decrease in tobacco product usage among youths under 21 years old. There has been a significant drop in the usage of e-cigarettes, with a decrease of 6% in the past 12 months alone. Overall, the survey suggests that e-cigarette usage remains an issue in California, particularly among high school students. However, the implementation of T21 has shown a positive impact in decreasing tobacco usage among younger demographics, including e-cigarettes.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry discussion and learning purposes.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of its contents. The translation of this article is intended only for industry exchange and research purposes.


Due to limitations in the level of translation, the translated article may not express the same meaning as the original. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government regarding any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or international statements and positions.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Australia’s TGA Places Nicotine Pouches Under Therapeutic Goods Rules From July 24, Blocking Imports of Unapproved Products
Australia’s TGA Places Nicotine Pouches Under Therapeutic Goods Rules From July 24, Blocking Imports of Unapproved Products
Australia is strengthening controls on nicotine pouches under its existing therapeutic goods regulatory framework. According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), nicotine pouch products must meet regulatory requirements, and unapproved products cannot be legally imported. The move follows Australia’s broader approach of maintaining strict oversight of nicotine products, including nicotine-containing vapes. As nicotine pouches expand globally, Australia’s regulatory approach highlights growing differences in how countries manage emerging smoke-free nicotine products.
Regulations
Jul.27
Product | KT&G Brings LOOP Nicotine Pouches to South Africa, Supporting ASF’s Expansion Across Africa
Product | KT&G Brings LOOP Nicotine Pouches to South Africa, Supporting ASF’s Expansion Across Africa
KT&G has introduced nicotine pouch brand LOOP in South Africa, expanding its modern oral nicotine portfolio. Developed by Swedish company Another Snus Factory (ASF), LOOP is a tobacco-free nicotine pouch brand. KT&G and U.S. tobacco company Altria previously participated in ASF’s strategic development, and the South Africa launch represents a further step in LOOP’s international expansion.
Aug.06
Michael Olise’s World Cup Locker-Room Photo Puts Nicotine Pouches in the Sports Business Spotlight
Michael Olise’s World Cup Locker-Room Photo Puts Nicotine Pouches in the Sports Business Spotlight
Several European sports outlets have reported on a suspected nicotine pouch seen in French footballer Michael Olise’s locker photo, bringing football’s long-running “snus” culture back into public view and highlighting brand visibility, product classification and public-health debate around nicotine pouches in sports settings.
News
Jun.25 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Product | JTI Expands Ploom Ecosystem as LYO Tobacco-Free Nicotine Sticks Roll Out Across Europe
Product | JTI Expands Ploom Ecosystem as LYO Tobacco-Free Nicotine Sticks Roll Out Across Europe
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is expanding its Ploom heated product ecosystem with LYO tobacco-free nicotine sticks. Designed specifically for Ploom devices, LYO contains nicotine but no tobacco. Public information shows that the product has gradually entered several European markets, including Spain, Portugal and Germany, and was officially introduced in Romania in July 2026. The launch highlights JTI’s efforts to explore broader nicotine consumable formats beyond traditional tobacco-based sticks.
JTI
Jul.21 by 2Firsts Perspectives
PMI to Launch IQOS in Argentina by End-2026 After Regulatory Shift, Targeting About 7 Million Smokers
PMI to Launch IQOS in Argentina by End-2026 After Regulatory Shift, Targeting About 7 Million Smokers
Philip Morris International (PMI) has confirmed plans to bring its IQOS heated tobacco device to Argentina by the end of 2026, after the Argentine government lifted long-standing restrictions and created a regulatory framework for heated tobacco, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Nicotine Pouches Gain Ground in U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Unit Sales Fall 14%
Nicotine Pouches Gain Ground in U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Unit Sales Fall 14%
According to convenience retail publication CStore Decisions, U.S. convenience store tobacco categories are undergoing a structural shift. Based on Circana OmniMarket Total U.S. Convenience data for the 52 weeks ending June 14, 2026, cigarettes remained the largest category with $50.8 billion in sales, but unit sales declined 5.3%. Electronic smoking devices and vaping products also declined, while modern oral nicotine products continued to grow, with nicotine pouch sales rising 29% in dollars and 17% in units. Retailers said changing consumer preferences are reshaping tobacco product assortments at convenience stores.
Regulations
Aug.07