Canadian Youth E-Cigarette Use on the Rise, Poses Concerns

Aug.05.2022
Canadian Youth E-Cigarette Use on the Rise, Poses Concerns
Canadian youth e-cigarette use rising, with rates far higher than adults, and concerns that it may normalize tobacco use.

According to Statistics Canada, the prevalence of e-cigarette use among youth is significantly higher than among adults, and is increasing with the possibility of some youth developing a smoking habit.


Since the 1960s, the popularity of cigarettes has steadily declined, with about half of the population developing the habit at that time due to high taxes, advertising bans and a decrease in public places allowing smoking.


Meanwhile, in 2021, approximately 12% of young people aged 15 to 19 and 17% of those aged 20 to 24 reported using electronic cigarettes in the past month, according to the Bureau of Statistics. In contrast, only 4% of adults aged 25 and over reported the same.


Overall, as of 2021, 10% of Canadians report smoking frequently. Smoking rates have remained stable compared to the previous year for all age groups. According to StatsCan, young people are more likely to use e-cigarettes if they work, drink, or engage in negative behaviors. A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a risk factor for children aged 12 to 14.


The organization stated that older males, those born in Canada, teenagers with lower grades, or those who use tobacco or marijuana are more likely to use e-cigarettes.


One-third of teenagers who use e-cigarettes say they do so primarily to relieve stress, according to new data. This marks an increase compared to last year's figure of one-fifth, and is believed to be linked to the challenges to young people's mental health caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and disruption to education and the workplace.


According to Statistics Canada, "while the harm of e-cigarettes may be lower than traditional tobacco, it still carries the risk of nicotine dependence, use of other substances, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.


People are concerned that widespread use of e-cigarettes could undermine the long-term decline of smoking and lead to a normalization of tobacco use.


Statement:


This article's content is compiled from third-party information and is only intended for industry-related discussion and learning purposes.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of its content. The translation of this article is solely for industry communication and research purposes.


Due to limitations in our translation skills, the translated article may not fully capture the original intent. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


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


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



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.

PMI Global Communications Chief Moira Gilchrist: Why AI Matters More Than Ever in the Smoke-Free Transition
PMI Global Communications Chief Moira Gilchrist: Why AI Matters More Than Ever in the Smoke-Free Transition
Philip Morris International (PMI) Chief Global Communications Officer Moira Gilchrist said artificial intelligence is changing how companies understand audiences, manage owned information channels and communicate business transformation. PMI is using AI-generated audience personas to test messaging while optimizing its corporate website and other owned channels for large language models. As PMI continues its transition from cigarettes toward smoke-free products, Gilchrist said owned data and corporate channels are becoming increasingly important in demonstrating the scale of that transformation.
Aug.26
Philippine Local Governments Urge Marcos to Prioritize Smoke- and Vape-Free Bill
Philippine Local Governments Urge Marcos to Prioritize Smoke- and Vape-Free Bill
The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the Smoke- and Vape-Free Bill, seeking a nationwide legal framework for tobacco and vape regulation. Local government leaders said national legislation would help standardize enforcement and strengthen public health measures. The proposal remains at the advocacy stage and has not yet become law.
Jul.29
AIR Invests $20 Million in Greentank, Deepening Capital Ties Across the Vape Supply Chain
AIR Invests $20 Million in Greentank, Deepening Capital Ties Across the Vape Supply Chain
Nasdaq-listed AIR Global has invested $20 million in preferred shares of Canadian vaporization technology company Greentank, deepening a partnership established in 2023. AIR gains a board nomination right, access to new technologies, enhanced commercial terms and long-term supply assurances, while retaining an option to increase its stake. Greentank’s Quantum Chip platform powers Crown Switch and forms part of AIR’s planned U.S. PMTA dossier, linking capital investment more closely with product technology, regulatory evidence and supply-chain control.
Special Report
Jul.29
Product | IVG Launches NEXiO Prefilled Pod System, Expanding Beyond Disposable Vapes
Product | IVG Launches NEXiO Prefilled Pod System, Expanding Beyond Disposable Vapes
UK vape brand IVG has launched the NEXiO reusable prefilled pod system, expanding its product portfolio beyond disposable vape products. The device features a 1,000mAh rechargeable battery, prefilled pods with a refill reservoir structure and a claimed capacity of up to 10,000 puffs. Officially launched in the UK on July 9, 2026, NEXiO debuted with 17 flavor options, reflecting IVG’s move into reusable pod formats.
Aug.19
2Firsts Interview | InterTabac 2026 Adapts to a More Complex Tobacco and Nicotine Market
2Firsts Interview | InterTabac 2026 Adapts to a More Complex Tobacco and Nicotine Market
As InterTabac 2026 approaches, Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, tells 2Firsts that global tobacco trade fairs are evolving beyond product display. With new nicotine categories, shifting regulation and more complex supply chains reshaping the industry, InterTabac is positioning itself as a platform for market insight, regulatory discussion and global business connection.
Special Report
Jul.02
Special Report|South Korean Lawmaker Queries China Tobacco Regulator Over Synthetic Nicotine as Export-Rule Gaps Emerge
Special Report|South Korean Lawmaker Queries China Tobacco Regulator Over Synthetic Nicotine as Export-Rule Gaps Emerge
A South Korean lawmaker has asked China’s tobacco regulator to clarify rules for e-cigarettes containing synthetic nicotine amid questions over product declarations and possible tax losses. The dispute exposes gaps between Chinese export requirements and destination-market rules, while underscoring the global impact of China’s licensing and traceability policies.
Jul.10