I am deeply troubled by the growing number of Texas students hooked on vaping. Across our state, hundreds of thousands of young people are using these dangerous products—often associated with nicotine addiction, respiratory damage, and even heart problems. After a brief decline in teen vaping, usage is again on the rise—driven largely by the proliferation of illegal, flavored vapes manufactured in China. This surge has overwhelmed our schools and strained the resources of local law enforcement.
To address this issue, the Texas Legislature has enacted stronger disciplinary measures for vaping on school campuses, aiming to deter youth from engaging in this harmful behavior. These efforts have helped, contributing to a decline in vaping rates among middle and high school students. Still, more must be done to curb vaping among minors entirely.
The primary culprits are illegal flavored vapes with names like “bubblegum,” “sour raspberry gummy bear,” and “strawberry ice cream”—products clearly designed to appeal to kids. A major distribution source? Local vape shops and smoke stores. Many of these retailers routinely ignore age verification laws and knowingly sell these products to minors. They market to children using bright packaging, candy-like flavors, and influencer culture—all in reckless pursuit of profit.
Every corner of the Lone Star State has been impacted. In San Antonio alone, teen vaping increased by an alarming 1,000% in just one year, underscoring the urgency of this health crisis.
Yet many vape shop owners remain indifferent. One store owner in Texas even said, “You’re not going to stop people from consuming nicotine”—a sentiment that reflects the broader reality of under-the-counter sales and ignored regulations. Instead of complying with the law and protecting youth, these businesses are fueling addiction by flouting the rules.
Public health experts continue to warn of the dangers of youth vaping. The FDA has banned nearly all flavored disposable vapes that appeal to children—allowing only tobacco and menthol flavors. That means the flavored vapes currently flooding Texas vape shops are not just dangerous; they’re illegal, often manufactured and imported from China without oversight.
Major retailers across Texas have recognized the problem and have stopped selling these products altogether. Still, despite federal and state bans, illegal flavored Chinese vapes continue to be sold openly in vape shops.
By selling to minors, these shops are actively contributing to the youth vaping crisis. Hundreds of e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injuries are reported in Texas each year, with many leading to hospitalization. Too many shops are prioritizing profit over public health—and it must stop.
Texas needs to hold these stores accountable. The Legislature should pass a bill creating a state-run public registry to ensure only legal, regulated vaping products are sold in our state. Other states—like Louisiana—have already implemented similar directories, dramatically reducing illegal vape sales.
Illicit vape shops have targeted our children for far too long. It’s time for the Texas Legislature to act decisively. Enforcing stronger regulations and shutting down sales of dangerous, illegal vapes to minors will protect the next generation from addiction, illness, and long-term harm.
Rodney Anderson served in the Texas House of Representatives for District 106 (2011–2013) and District 105 (2015–2019).