Hookah and Vapes Becoming Popular Among Spanish Youth
A few days ago, Spanish media outlet La Opinión de Murcia reported that hookah and vapes have rapidly become new trends among young people in Spain, increasingly replacing traditional cigarettes.
Post-Pandemic Rebound of Hookah Use
According to La Opinión de Murcia, the rise of hookah smoking in Spain was temporarily curbed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to public-place bans. However, the use of hookahs rebounded quickly once restrictions were lifted. Together with vapes, they are now gradually displacing traditional cigarettes among younger generations.
According to Spain’s National Committee for Tobacco Prevention (CNPT) and expert Adelaida Lozano Polo from the Murcia region, data from the latest National Drug Plan show that 40% of Spanish adolescents (aged 14–18) have used a hookah within the past month.
Regional Comparison: Murcia vs. National Averages
Data from 2023 indicate that cigarette consumption among 14- to 18-year-olds in Murcia is below the national average. While the average age of first cigarette use is around 14, the percentage of daily smokers in Murcia is 18.7%, compared with 21% nationally.
Lozano Polo noted that across all types of tobacco use, Murcia’s adolescents—both male and female—show lower consumption rates than the national average.
Declining Age of Use for Hookah and Vapes
Despite lower overall cigarette use, the age of initiation for hookah and vape use has dropped sharply.
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9.5% of children aged 12–13 reported using a hookah.
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Even 11-year-olds have tried vapes.
The National Committee for Tobacco Prevention warned that this trend reflects a concerning shift toward early experimentation with new nicotine devices.
Tobacco Industry Marketing Strategies
Experts highlight that the tobacco industry has been actively rebranding and expanding its product lines through heated cigarettes and vape products. These are marketed aggressively toward young people using colorful packaging, social media advertising, and influencer promotions.
Companies reportedly collaborate with influencers who have over 1,000 followers to promote new smoking products during public events and on online platforms. While hookahs and vapes are presented as modern lifestyle accessories, experts warn that they increase the risk of transitioning to traditional smoking.
Calls for Stronger Regulation
In an official statement, Spain’s National Committee for Tobacco Prevention called for:
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Stricter regulations on emerging tobacco products.
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Higher taxation.
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Standardized (neutral) packaging.
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A complete ban on point-of-sale displays and advertising.
Local Market Insights from Murcia
Dario Moreno, owner of the Street Tobacco Shop in Los Gares, Murcia, observed that while the hookah boom has plateaued, demand for vapes has now surpassed that of hookahs. His shop offers hookah devices ranging from €30 to €500 in various styles and sizes.
Moreno also noted a surge in demand for rechargeable vape models and those using supplement capsules. Some vape devices allow up to 600 inhalations per cartridge, further fueling their popularity.
Growing Public and Professional Concern
This new wave of vaping and hookah use among youth has drawn increasing concern from public health professionals and the wider community. Experts warn that without swift and decisive policy actions, these emerging trends could undermine years of progress in tobacco control across Spain.
