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Trick or Treat?
How the tobacco industry targets youth
Have you seen what popular tobacco products look like today? You may be surprised to see brightly colored packaging and fun flavors. You may even see items that look like harmless everyday objects, such as USB drives, mints, mouthwash strips, sweet tarts, or highlighters. If you think these products can be appealing to young people, you are correct. Do not be fooled; this is not accidental. Considering that 9 out of 10 daily adult smokers began before the age of 18, the tobacco industry goes to great lengths to ensnare young individuals because, without youth, the tobacco industry lacks a future market.
Although the use of flavors in cigarettes has been prohibited since 2009 and in some e-cigarettes (like JUUL, since 2019) other products can still be flavored, such as newer vapes and nicotine pouches. In Colorado, 80% of teenage vapers use flavored products, which come in thousands of unique flavors, including Unicorn Poop, Fruity Pebbles, and Gummy Bears. Flavored products are easier to start and can be more challenging to quit.
If you are interested in learning more about vaping and various product types, you can request a Vaping 101 training for trusted adults from the Tobacco Education and Prevention program. This program covers signs of vaping, different product types, common myths, and more!
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 The Weld County Tobacco Education and Prevention Program will host free Freedom From Smoking sessions at the LINC Library in Greeley starting on Wednesday, Oct 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The program is open to Weld County residents seeking to quit smoking, vaping, or chewing.
Over seven weeks in a group setting, participants will learn:
- How to know if you are ready to quit
- Medications that can help you quit
- Lifestyle changes that can help
- How to get ready for your quit day
- Ways to manage stress and withdrawal symptoms
- How to stay smoke-free for good
To participate, individuals need to:
- Decide you are ready to quit
- Learn more about the program by contacting 970-400-2371 or visiting lung.org/ffs
- Register by filling out the FFS Participant Registration form
- Attend all sessions and join the thousands of individuals who have successfully become smoke-free with FFS!
If you want to spread the word or share with a loved one, you can download the flyer here.
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Don’t forget about our School Resource Guide!
If you need trainings for teachers about vaping, educational presentations on vaping for students, policy assistance, alternatives to suspension, enforcement questions, or other tobacco/vaping related assistance, request a Resource Guide today to get started!
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Free, confidential, and self-guided service for teens (12-17) trying to quit smoking or vaping. To get started, text "Start My Quit" to 36072, or call 1-855-891-9989 for individualized support, encouragement, and helpful tips. No parental consent required. |
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Free and online quit service for Colorado residents aged 18 or older. Contact 1-800-QUIT-NOW for assistance and see if you are eligible for a free supply of patches, gum, or lozenges. |
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Melanie Cyphers RN, BSN Substance Abuse Prevention Supervisor mcyphers@weld.gov 970-400-2423 |
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Brooklyn Larimore, BS Youth Policy and Communications Specialist Blarimore@weld.gov 970-400-2371
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