Youth and Young Adults and Tobacco

What is Nicotine? Can I get addicted?
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Denver. Denver youth embody a strong voice in educating the Denver community on the dangers of tobacco use and promoting sustainable change to prevent the initiation of tobacco use.
  • In Denver, youth smoke about 10.8 million packs of cigarettes each year. That's a lot of cigarettes - all smoked by kids who are underage!
  • More than 10,000 people died in Denver from tobacco-related illness between 2006 and 2010.
  • Yet, every year, nearly 5,300 Colorado youth become new daily smokers.

 Right now, tobacco retailers don't need a license to sell tobacco in Denver. In fact, only 14 states do not have a tobacco retail license requirement. Colorado is one of them.

  • 48% of all Denver youth, including 68% of Denver 11th graders, say it would be easy for them to get their own cigarettes.
  • In 2008, 60% of underage Colorado smokers who tried to buy tobacco from a store were successful.
  • Between October 2011 and October 2012, 248 tobacco retailers were evaluated for underage sales. 18% of assessed retailers sold to minors!