Vermont lawmakers are taking urgent action to combat rising tobacco use among youth, as alarming statistics reveal a significant increase in smoking and vaping among high school students. During a recent House session, representatives highlighted that 28% of high school students in Vermont now use some form of tobacco, a sharp rise from previous years, driven largely by the popularity of flavored e-cigarettes.

The discussion underscored the state's troubling smoking rates, which exceed national averages. Vermont's adult smoking rate stands at 15.8%, while the rate among high school students is 9.3%, compared to the national averages of 14% and 7.6%, respectively. Additionally, the state has the third-highest rate of smoking during pregnancy in the country, at 17%.

Lawmakers pointed to the aggressive marketing strategies employed by the tobacco industry, which spends approximately $15.8 million annually in Vermont alone. The introduction of flavored tobacco products, particularly e-cigarettes, has been identified as a key factor in attracting young users. Flavors such as tutti frutti and bubble gum have made vaping appealing to children as young as 12, contributing to a 78% increase in e-cigarette use among high school students in just one year.

In response to this public health crisis, Vermont has implemented several measures, including raising taxes on e-cigarettes to match those on traditional cigarettes, banning online sales of tobacco products, and increasing the legal age for purchasing tobacco from 18 to 21. Despite these efforts, lawmakers acknowledge that challenges remain, with many students still accessing flavored products through social sources.

The session concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and legislative efforts to protect Vermont's youth from the dangers of tobacco. With an estimated 1,000 adults dying each year from smoking-related illnesses in the state, representatives are determined to reverse the trend and safeguard the health of future generations.