Why are tobacco/nicotine-free college campuses important?
Support for 100% tobacco-free policies on college campuses has skyrocketed over the past decade. The number of colleges and universities with 100% smoke-free or tobacco-free policies more than tripled from 774 in 2012 to 2,587 in 2024.
College campuses are critical partners in empowering young people to quit tobacco or never start in the first place and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and aerosol for all. Prevalence of e-cigarette use is high among young adults 18-24 years old and dual use with cigarettes is a growing concern. This has implications for mental health because nicotine withdrawal can intensify anxiety symptoms and feelings of depression. Most people addicted to nicotine say they want to quit, and the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches among young people has created a major need for cessation resources.