Statewide prohibitions on flavored e-cigarettes may have an unintended side effect — pushing young adults toward traditional cigarette use. A recent study drawing on data from sources such as the National Youth Tobacco Survey found that while these bans did little to change e-cigarette usage among teens or young adults overall, they were linked to higher rates of cigarette smoking among those aged 18 to 24.
The research underscores the challenges in crafting effective nicotine regulations. Flavored e-cigarettes remain the preferred choice for young users — 89% of adolescents who vaped in 2023 used flavored products. Many states have introduced bans to limit youth exposure and appeal.
Yet, the study indicates that restricting flavored vapes for adults may unintentionally lead some young users back to more harmful combustible cigarettes, rather than helping them quit nicotine entirely. The CDC continues to warn that no tobacco product — including e-cigarettes — is safe, since smoking is tied to cancer and heart disease, and vaping can still cause lung damage. The findings emphasize the importance of thoughtful policy design to prevent rising smoking rates among young adults.
