Written by Michael Davis, MPH

Vapes, or e-cigarettes, have been in the spotlight for years now, with their popularity among young people increasing in the late 2010s and early 2020s. This is partly because of the approachable, sweet flavors, such as cotton candy, strawberry cream, and root beer float, to name a few examples. These flavors are purposely designed to target young people. Additionally, some “smart vape” products are designed with internet access, touch screens, and built-in video games to specifically attract younger people.

Statistics for the Great Lakes Region

• Michigan: In 2023, about 1 in 7 (14%) high school students reported being current vape users. More than half (55%) of students who have ever vaped reported vaping for the first time at 13 years old or younger.¹
• Minnesota: In 2023, about 1 in 7 (14%) high school students reported having vaped in the past 30 days, which is a significant decline from about 1 in 5 (19%) in 2020.² 
• Wisconsin: In 2025, about 1 in 6 (16%) high school students reported being current vape users. In addition, 4 out of 5 high school students who use vapes say they continue to use them because they like the flavors. Furthermore, 19 out of 20 Wisconsin high school students reported they would not use a vape product if it were unflavored.³ 
  
  

Protecting Future Generations

Because vaping is so new, the total damage it does to your body is still not completely understood. Vapes can contain harmful metals, super fine particles, and artificial flavorings that harm your lungs, brain, heart, and other parts of your body. Vapes can deliver differing amounts of nicotine, with some vapes delivering more nicotine per puff than a cigarette^.4 Large doses of nicotine, especially when someone is under 25 years old, can harm brain development and increased susceptibility to other drug addictions.⁵

It is important to emphasize that not all young people vape. While vaping rates are high, most young people in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin do not use vapes. Having open conversations with young people in your community about the health effects of vaping is a good first step to promote education and increase awareness.

 _________

References 
1. Shamo F. 2023 Michigan youth tobacco survey findings. Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Tobacco Prevention & Control. Accessed January 13, 2026. https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Keeping-Michigan-Healthy/Chronic-Disease/Tobacco/12-Data-and-Statistics/MI-Youth-Tobacco-Survey-Findings_2023.pdf

2. Nicotine dependence intensifies among Minnesota teens who vape. Minnesota Department of Health. July 2, 2024. Accessed January 13, 2026. https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2024/vape070224.html

3. Tobacco is changing: e-cigarettes. Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Updated August 4, 2025. Accessed January 13, 2026. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobaccoischanging/e-cigarettes.htm

4. 5 vaping facts you need to know. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed January 13, 2026. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping

5. Health effects of vaping. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 31, 2025. Accessed January 13, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/health-effects.html