Youth tobacco use continues to decline but nicotine pouches gain popularity

Indiana youth tobacco use plummeted to its lowest levels in decades, but flavored products and nicotine dependency in youth still pose serious concerns according to the 2024 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey released Tuesday.

Since 2000, the Indiana Department of Health has surveyed more than 4,800 public middle and high school students every two years to monitor tobacco trends. The 2024 results show the lowest cigarette use in the past two decades—dropping from 31.6% among high schoolers and nearly 10% among middle-schoolers in 2000 to less than 1 percent for both groups in 2024.

E-cigarette use among high school students has also fallen to 5%, the lowest rate since Indiana began data collection for e-cigarettes in 2012. Despite progress, e-cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product among youth. Approximately 15,000 high school students and 5,000 middle school students said they currently use them.

The report also found an increase in oral nicotine pouch use. While still less commonly used than vaping, the percentage of high schoolers who reported trying nicotine pouches doubled–from 2.3% in 2022 to 5% in 2024. These popular pouches contain nicotine, flavorings and other ingredients marketed as an alternative to traditional products.

In 2020, the legal purchasing age for tobacco changed from 18 to 21 in Indiana. However, in 2024, 49% of high school students thought it would be somewhat or very easy to get tobacco products if they wanted some.

Findings also noted marijuana use, though fewer students reported currently using the illicit drug. Less than 5%, or 4.6%, of middle school students reported trying marijuana, compared to 13.3% of high school students. Over 4% of high school students reported current use and many reported dual use of tobacco and marijuana.

The report reveals that roughly one in three students live with someone who uses tobacco products—likely influencing future use in youth. About 25% of youth who have never used tobacco said they are susceptible to smoking in the future.

Although Indiana’s youth tobacco use remains below national averages, health officials say more work is needed to protect Hoosiers from tobacco usage.

“Comprehensive tobacco control programs remain essential to reducing youth tobacco use,” Indiana Department of Health director of Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Miranda Spitznagle, said. “By working together—parents, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations—we can continue protecting young Hoosiers from the harms of commercial tobacco products.”

Youth who are interested in quitting e-cigarettes can text INDIANA to 873373, while parents, educators and healthcare providers can visit in.gov/vapefreeindiana for resources to help prevent youth tobacco use.