Louisiana High School Vaping Rates Rank Third Nationally

New survey data shows 30% of high schoolers in the state use e-cigarettes, raising concerns for student health.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gouache-painted editorial illustration showing an e-cigarette on a bench, representing the public health concerns of adolescent vaping. — Louisiana ranks third in the U.S. for high school vaping rates, with 30% of students reporting regular e-cigarette use. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe the health risks of vaping are communicated clearly enough to young people?

The 2023 Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey indicates that 30% of high school students in the state report vaping. This data places Louisiana third in the nation for high school vaping prevalence.

Why it matters

Understanding these prevalence levels is essential for addressing the public health risks associated with youth nicotine use and potential lung injuries. Monitoring these figures helps state officials track shifts in adolescent tobacco consumption habits.

The 2023 Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey confirms that 30% of high schoolers and 18% of middle schoolers in the state vape. Louisiana now holds the third-highest high school vaping rate in the country.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that conducts public health research and monitoring.

The details

The report provides a snapshot of tobacco usage across the state, highlighting a significant portion of the student population engaging with e-cigarette products. These figures follow broader historical national warnings regarding the respiratory impacts of vaping devices.

2023: Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey collected vaping data.
February 2020: CDC reported vaping-related hospitalizations and deaths.

Culture Shift

These statistics follow the 2020 e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury outbreak that brought national scrutiny to vaping safety. The prevalence of these products in schools indicates that the trend continues to impact student behavior despite significant public health warnings.

Parents and school administrators in Louisiana may face increased pressure to implement or strengthen anti-vaping curriculum and school wellness policies. The data underscores the potential health risks for local students and the need for greater awareness of e-cigarette usage.

The takeaway

The high prevalence of vaping among Louisiana youth suggests a continued need for focused educational outreach and monitoring. Families can implement preventative discussions at home to address the risks associated with e-cigarette usage.