Study Finds No Clear Link Between Youth Vaping and Smoking

Study Challenges “Gateway” Theory, Highlights Need for Further Research

A large-scale review of 123 studies, encompassing data from approximately 4 million participants under the age of 29 in the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe, has found no conclusive evidence that vaping leads to cigarette smoking among youth. The findings, published in the journal Addiction, challenge the widely debated “gateway” theory and underscore the need for further research to establish any causal links between e-cigarette use and smoking initiation.

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Study Finds Less Restrictive Vaping Laws Linked to Faster Decline in Smoking Rates

A University of Queensland study reveals smoking rates declined twice as fast in New Zealand compared to Australia, crediting less restrictive vaping policies. Between 2016-2023, New Zealand’s adult daily smoking rates fell by 10% annually, while Australia saw only a 5% annual drop. Researchers attribute this gap to differing approaches to vaping access.

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UW Launches Study to Test Long-Term Effects of Vaping on Heart and Lung Health

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) has launched a study to investigate the long-term effects of vaping on cardiovascular and pulmonary health: Vape Check. Funded by a five-year, $5.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Vape Check study aims to provide the most comprehensive evidence to date on how long-term vaping affects disease risk and overall well-being.

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New UK Research Reveals Each Cigarette Cuts Life Expectancy by 20 Minutes

Quitting Smoking Can Add Years to Your Life, Especially if Done Early

A new study by researchers at University College London (UCL) has found that every cigarette smoked can reduce life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes on average. The findings, published in the journal Addiction, suggest that the cumulative effect of smoking can have a significant impact on the length and quality of life.

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Kentucky Ranks 7th in U.S. for Underage Vaping

State Implements New Law in 2025 to Curb Youth E-Cigarette Use

A recent study conducted by The Freedom Center, a Maryland-based addiction treatment facility, has identified Kentucky as the seventh-largest underage vaping hotspot in the United States. The study analyzed data from the American Lung Association, Public Health Law Center, and the Center on Alcohol, Substance Use and Addiction (CASAA), revealing that 21.9% of Kentucky high school students use vapes.

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GSTHR Report Finds Vapes Help Smokers Quit in New Zealand

GSTHR Briefing Paper Showcases Aotearoa New Zealand’s Smoking Cessation Success Through Vaping

The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR), a project from public health agency Knowledge·Action·Change (KAC), has released its latest Briefing Paper, which sheds light on Aotearoa New Zealand’s remarkable journey towards achieving “smokefree” status. The report, titled “Pro-consumer laws and an endorsement for vaping: why smoking is disappearing in Aotearoa New Zealand,” showcases the country’s rapid embrace of vaping as a critical tool in reducing smoking rates and provides valuable insights for other countries seeking to tackle the global smoking epidemic.

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CoEHAR Catania Study Confirms E-Cigarettes’ Effectiveness for Smoking Cessation

A recent review conducted by the In Silico research team, a project led by the Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR) at the University of Catania, has found that e-cigarettes are more effective compared to other treatments used for smoking cessation.

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Study Reveals Sharp Rise in Vaping Among Ex-Smokers, Fueled by Disposable E-Cigarettes

A recent study published in the journal BMC Medicine1 by researchers at University College London sheds light on the growing trend of vaping among ex-smokers in England over the past decade. The study, which analyzed data from 2013 to 2024, found a significant increase in vaping prevalence, particularly among younger adults. This rise coincides with the growing popularity of disposable e-cigarettes and shifting social trends.

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Oklahoma Ranks 8th in U.S. for Underage Vaping, New Study Reveals

Addiction Treatment Specialists Analyze Data, Call for Stricter Regulations to Protect Youth

A recent study conducted by addiction treatment specialists at The Freedom Center has identified Oklahoma as the eighth-largest underage vaping hotspot in the United States. The study analyzed data from the American Lung Association, revealing that approximately 21.7% of Oklahoma teens use e-cigarettes.

The study found the following top 10 states with the highest rates of high school e-cigarette use:

RankStatePercentage of High School E-Cigarette Users
1West Virginia27.5%
2Alaska26.1%
3Montana25.5%
3Louisiana25.5%
5New Mexico25.4%
6Wyoming24.2%
7North Carolina23.8%
8Oklahoma21.7%
9New Jersey21.6%
10Oregon21.4%

Despite federal law prohibiting the sale of all tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21 years old, states have the option to continue with their current minimum age laws. The study’s findings highlight the need for stricter regulations to protect youth from the dangers of vaping.

Nicholas Bellofatto, Director of Admissions for The Freedom Center, emphasized the importance of prioritizing teen health and advocating for stronger measures to curb the underage vaping pandemic. He stated, “Although states are making progress with various laws designed to reduce youth e-cigarette use, we can see from this top ten list that something clearly isn’t working. It’s up to us to figure out why these hotspots exist and decide what we can do to curb the underage vaping pandemic before the damage to our young people becomes irreversible.”

The study’s results underscore the urgent need for effective interventions and policies to address the growing problem of underage vaping across the United States. By identifying the states with the highest rates of teen e-cigarette use, this research can help guide targeted efforts to prevent nicotine addiction among youth and promote healthier lifestyles.

University of Michigan Study Explores Reasons Behind Teen Vaping

A new study from the University of Michigan has shed light on the primary reasons why teenagers engage in vaping. The study, titled “Reasons for Vaping Among U.S. Adolescents,” analyzed data from in-school surveys of U.S. students in eighth, tenth, and 12th grades, revealing a complex mix of factors driving the vaping trend.

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