According to a report released by the United States agency, from 2019 to 2023, the sales of electronic cigarettes in the United States increased by 47%, especially flavored e-cigarettes, disposable vape sales soared 500%, and youth utilization increased, causing health problems.
On November 21, according to a report by the Foundation for Disease Control and Prevention and the Truth Initiative, vape sales in U.S. retail stores increased by 47 percent from 2019 to 2023. Among them, flavored vapes, such as fruit, sugar, mint, menthol, and desserts, accounted for more than 80 percent of total sales.
As a result of sales restrictions and multiple enforcement measures, sales of flavored vapes in physical stores in Massachusetts have dropped by more than 98 percent.
The report, titled “Monitoring Vape Trends in the United States: Taking Urgent Action to Ensure Youth Are Protected from flavored vapes,” states that the most effective policies to limit flavored vape sales are clear product definitions, including comprehensive restrictions on flavored cigarettes, combined with education from communities and retailers, and supported by law enforcement.
Key points of the present report include:
- Disposable vape sales have soared: From 2019 to 2023, disposable vape sales have increased by more than 500%, and disposable vapes have become the most common type of device used by young people;
- A surge in demand for condiments: In 2024, 1.63 million teens reported using vapes in the past 30 days, with nearly 90% of users consuming one of many condiments.
- Sales of menthol and refreshing flavors increased: Sales of menthol vapes increased by more than 175%. Between 2020 and 2023, sales of items labeled “refreshing” (advertised as having no condiments but containing menthol or other generated coolants) or other unscented refreshing items (often promoted with the term “exposed” or “unscented”) increased by 872 percent;
- The proliferation of unauthorized goods: As of March 2024, 34 FDA-authorized goods accounted for 13.7% of total sales at physical retail stores in the United States;
- Increased nicotine content: Single-use vapes can contain tobacco tar similar to several packs of tobacco, with average tobacco tar concentrations increasing 294 percent over five years. The increase in high-concentration vape sales coincides with an increase in the percentage of teens who report regular or daily use of vapes. In 2024, about 30 percent of high school vape customers said they used them daily.
Judy Monroe, CEO of the Foundation for Disease Control and Prevention,
- “The increase in vape sales, especially in products that appeal to young people’s flavors and graphics, is concerning, especially as manufacturers continue to introduce vape brands that incorporate game designs and higher nicotine content.” However, data from Massachusetts. California and New York show that comprehensive policies can be effective in curbing youth vape use. The report highlights the urgent need for widespread adoption of similar measures to ensure that young people are not exposed to the risks of vape use.
Kathy Crosby, CEO of the Truth Initiative, said,
- “In recent years, the sales of vapes have increased dramatically, and new products have emerged in an endless stream. Many teenagers aim to attract and become addicted to high levels of tobacco tar. Today’s vapes are popular in a range of attractive flavors and designs. They’re bigger, stronger, and cheaper than previous devices, which only adds to their appeal. More worryingly, more than 80% of vapes are sold illegally. “While enforcement is particularly important to end the plight of youth vaping, retailers must also take responsibility for protecting young customers and eliminating all illegal goods.”
