A new study by the Institut national de la santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) reveals that teenagers and young adults in Quebec vape at nearly double the rate of the general adult population, despite a recent ban on flavored products. While overall youth usage has decreased since 2022, flavored vapes remain a significant driver of consumption, with many users still accessing them through specialized stores.
Key Takeaways:
- Youth Disparity: 13% of teens (16-19) vape compared to roughly 6% of adults.
- Flavor Ban Impact: Sales in convenience stores halved after the 2023 flavor ban.
- Persistent Flavors: Nearly half of adult vapers still report using flavored products.
- Disposable Concern: Cheap, attractive disposable vapes remain highly popular among youth.
The Institut national de la santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) has confirmed that vaping rates among Quebec's youth remain "particularly high," with teenagers twice as likely to vape as adults. This development occurs amidst the province's ongoing efforts to curb youth nicotine addiction, directly resulting in mixed outcomes following the 2023 ban on flavored vape products.
Youth Vaping Rates Decline but Remain High
According to the INSPQ survey published on February 3, vaping among teenagers aged 16 to 19 dropped from 20% in 2022 to 13% in 2024. While this decrease is positive, the rate is still nearly double that of the adult population, which hovered around 5.8% in 2024.
The study points to flavored products as a primary driver of high usage. Despite the Quebec government's ban on fruit, mint, and menthol flavors in October 2023, nearly half of adult respondents reported they still consume flavored products. Another study indicated that up to 80% of vapers had used flavored products in the previous month, with researchers suggesting specialized vape shops as a likely source.
Economic Impact of the Flavor Ban
The ban has had a tangible economic impact on general retailers. Data from convenience stores and gas stations shows a sharp decline in sales immediately following the prohibition.
| Period | Monthly Sales Value | Dominant Product Type |
|---|---|---|
| October 2023 (Pre-Ban) | $4.6 million | Fruit & Mint Flavors (>80%) |
| November 2023 (Post-Ban) | $2.3 million | Tobacco Flavors (~70%) |
| First Half 2024 (Average) | ~$2.5 million | Tobacco Flavors |
While sales of tobacco-flavored vapes surged by nearly seven times, overall revenue in these channels plateaued at roughly half of pre-ban levels.
Concerns Over Disposables and Brand Dominance
Researchers expressed specific concern regarding the enduring popularity of disposable vaping products. Their lower price point and attractive packaging continue to increase appeal and affordability for young people. In terms of market share, Vuse remains the dominant brand, significantly outpacing competitors like Juul, though all brands experienced a sales decline following the new regulations.
Importantly, the study found no evidence that the unavailability of flavored vapes drove users back to traditional cigarettes, as cigarette sales data did not show a corresponding increase.
Tech Reviewer & Vape Enthusiast
Rohan Sharma is a dynamic and analytical voice in the Indian vaping landscape, blending his passion for technology with a deep understanding of the global vape market. Based in Bangalore, India's tech hub, Rohan leverages his IT background to dissect the intricate details of vaping devices, from chipset performance to coil longevity. His content aims to empower the growing Indian vaping community with precise, data-driven reviews and practical advice.