E-Cigarette Use Among Young Adults Ages 18 to 29 in California

Alex J. Bates, PhD, MD, MPH

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cover of fact sheet E-Cigarette Use Among Young Adults Ages 18 to 29 in California with photo of young adult vaping

Highlights

Young adults ages 18 to 29 in California were more likely to report vaping in the past month than adults ages 30 and older: 10% vs. 4%, respectively.

More than 4 in 5 (82%) young adults who vaped in the past month experienced at least one of eight signs of vaping dependence, including 60% who tried to quit vaping but did not sustain it, 50% who felt like they were addicted to vaping, and 46% who felt irritable when not vaping for a while.

Nearly half (46%) of young adults who vape reported facing multiple barriers to quitting, including: being afraid of failing to quit vaping (31%); being afraid of gaining weight if they quit vaping (24%); being afraid of the side effects of cessation medications (22%); being unable to access cessation medications due to cost (18%); and having family or friends who encourage them to vape (17%).

Summary

Published Date: October 15, 2026

Using data from the 2025 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), this study examines vaping behaviors among young adults ages 18 to 29 in California.

Findings show that vaping remains more prevalent among young adults in California than among adults ages 30 and older, who report vaping at less than half the rate for young adults ages 18 to 29. A substantial proportion of young adults who vape have ever experienced signs of dependence.

Although most young adults who vape would seek help if they decided to quit, few who visited a doctor in the past year were advised to quit, suggesting there are many missed opportunities to promote cessation. Young adults who vape also face considerable barriers to quitting.

Findings:

Roughly 1 in 10 (10%) young adults ages 18 to 29 in California reported vaping in the past month, more than twice the rate seen for adults ages 30 and older (4%).
More than one-third (37%) of young adults who vaped in the past month reported starting before the age of 18 and roughly 9 in 10 (90%) reported using flavored vaping products.
Among young adults who vaped in the past month, more than 4 in 5 (82%) reported ever experiencing at least one of eight signs of vaping dependence. Each sign of vaping dependence was relatively common: 60% tried to quit vaping but did not sustain it; 51% felt like they really needed to vape; 50% felt like they were addicted to vaping; 50% felt a strong urge to vape when not vaping for a while; 46% felt irritable when not vaping for a while; 42% felt nervous, restless, or anxious when not vaping for a while; 30% experienced difficulty not vaping in places that prohibit vaping; and 26% had difficulty concentrating when not vaping for a while.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of young adults who vape reported experiencing at least one barrier to quitting (e.g., difficulty finding someone to help them quit), and nearly half faced multiple barriers (46%).
Nearly three-fourths (73%) of young adults who vape indicated they would seek help or information (e.g., from a health professional) if they decided to quit.

Data Points

1 in 10

young adults ages 18 to 29 in California reported vaping in the past month, more than twice the rate seen for adults ages 30 and older (4%).

82%

of young adults ages 18–29 who vape have ever experienced at least one of eight signs of vaping dependence.

64%

of young adults ages 18–29 who vape reported experiencing at least one barrier to quitting (e.g., difficulty finding someone to help them quit), and nearly half faced multiple barriers (46%).