The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced that the state met or exceeded all three of its 2017–2025 tobacco reduction goals. The findings reflect drops in cigarette sales and usage following the implementation of three policies: Tobacco 21, Ballot Measure 108 tax increases, and mandatory tobacco retail licensing.
Sharp Declines in Youth and Adult Smoking
Between 2015 and 2024, cigarette consumption declined across all tracked demographics in Oregon, while per-capita sales dropped well below state targets.
| Category / Metric | Baseline (2015–2016) | 2024 Result | 2025 State Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8th Grade Smoking | 4.3% | 1.0% | N/A |
| 11th Grade Smoking | 8.8% | 2.8% | N/A |
| Adult Smoking Rate | 17.1% | 11.0% | 13.3% |
| Per-Capita Sales | 38.3 packs/year | 21.0 packs/year | ≤ 34.0 packs/year |
Youth vaping also dropped over this period. Among eighth graders, e-cigarette use fell from 9.3% in 2015 to 4.1% in 2024. For 11th graders, rates fell from 17.1% to 9%. Adult vaping, however, rose steadily through 2023 before recording a decline in 2024.
Dean Sidelinger, M.D., health officer and state epidemiologist, emphasized both the success and the ongoing challenges:
“Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death and disease in Oregon, so these declines represent meaningful progress. At the same time, we know that not everyone in Oregon has benefited equally from that progress.”
Demographic Disparities and Retail Enforcement
Despite statewide declines, higher rates of tobacco use persist among specific groups. Higher use was reported among gender-nonconforming youth, American Indian/Alaska Native youth, and North African/Middle Eastern youth.
Among adults, tobacco use remained higher for Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, bisexual, low-income, and unemployed residents, as well as individuals with less than a college education.
To maintain retail compliance, Oregon’s Tobacco Retail Licensing program continues to monitor stores and enforce distribution rules. Complete data and policy analyses are available in the OHA report, Evaluating the Impact of Statewide Policies on Tobacco Use and Sales.
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