Nicotine Pouches: More Harmful Than They Look

Sophie Baldwin, 1/12/25

Recently, ZYN pouches have swept throughout stores and social media. These dissolvable pouches are infused with a nicotine powder mix and are designed to be placed between the gum and the upper lip, where the nicotine can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. With flavors such as “Tropical Breeze” and “Cool Berry Splash,” this popular brand is marketed primarily towards teens and younger age groups. These pouches are advertised as “tobacco-free,” giving the audience a false impression that they are healthier than other tobacco products, such as cigarettes. But, as VCU Health points out, tobacco-free does not mean risk-free, and these products are still harmful to one’s health. 

Why Have Nicotine Pouches Gained Popularity?

Originally, nicotine pouches were designed to help smokers quit. They contain nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes, but not tobacco, a known carcinogen. When coming off of an addictive substance such as nicotine, the body can experience withdrawal effects, including irritation, depression, weight gain or less, trouble sleeping, or tremors. These effects make it difficult to quit smoking as they interfere with daily life. Physicians can prescribe medications such as Varenicline to help addicts quit smoking. The level of nicotine in nicotine pouches is similar to the amount in smokeless tobacco products, but higher than the amount in prescribed medication, making them more risky.

Since companies such as ZYN have begun marketing their products to a wider audience, many adolescents have become addicted to them. ZYN even uses “Zynfluencers” to help sell their products to teens on social sites. While adult smoking rates have fallen to a historic low of 11% (CDC), the use of other nicotine products is still creating addiction. Now, instead of being used to help smokers quit, nicotine pouches are getting teens hooked. 

What are the Risks Involved?

Since these products are so new, researchers are still studying the effects of them. Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs) are known to increase cancer risk in tobacco products, and oral nicotine pouches do not seem to contain these. However, we know that nicotine pouches have at least 28 carcinogenic chemicals (VCU Health). Oral side effects pose a harmful risk. These include mouth sores, irritation, gum recession, gum disease, dental decay, tooth loss, and reduced saliva production. Additionally, nicotine pouches pose cardiovascular risks. They can lead to increased heart rate or blood pressure, hypertension, heart disease, and potential heart attacks (VCU Health). Overall, though there is not currently enough research done on the effects of nicotine pouches, it is safe to say that these pouches can pose harmful risks to users.

What is Being Done?

Canada has taken steps to restrict the sale of nicotine pouches by only authorizing them for adults who are trying to quit smoking. Further, Health Canada has only authorized one nicotine pouch containing 4 mg to be sold. On August 28th, 2024, Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland created strict advertising restrictions for nicotine pouches to decrease their appeal. These products are now only available behind the counter at Canadian pharmacies. Additionally, only flavors of mint and menthol can be sold, not flavors that would appeal to young audiences. These products will be required to have a nicotine addiction warning clearly printed on the label. These measures are being put in place to ensure that nicotine pouches are only sold for their intended use, to help adults quit smoking.

Canada is not the first to restrict the sale of nicotine pouches. The Netherlands and Belgium banned the sale of all types of nicotine patches in 2023 (Global News). Public health agencies around the world are seeing the effects of nicotine addiction in youth and are taking steps to prevent this epidemic. The United States is following suit. Over the summer, DC banned the sale of flavored nicotine patches and ZYN halted web sales. With more safety measures in place, we can protect our youth and curb the spread of nicotine addiction.

References

VCU Health, “How safe are nicotine pouches? 'Tobacco-free' does not mean 'risk-free,’ VCU expert says”

https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/how-safe-are-nicotine-pouches-tobacco-free-does-not-mean-risk-free--vcu-expert-says

Johns Hopkins, “Are Oral Nicotine Pouches Safe?”
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/are-oral-nicotine-pouches-safe

Government of Canada, “Only use authorized nicotine pouches as directed, and do not use unauthorized nicotine pouches”

https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/only-use-authorized-nicotine-pouches-directed-and-do-not-use-unauthorized-nicotine

Global News, “Canada restricts sale of nicotine pouches. Here’s what’s changing”

https://globalnews.ca/news/10710465/nicotine-pouch-restrictions-canada/