What Are Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, O!, Rogue, Juice Head, and VELO, are small, flavored pouches containing nicotine or synthetic nicotine. Users place them between their lip and gum, where the nicotine is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. These smokeless products have surged in popularity, especially among young people, raising concerns for parents, schools, and health experts.
Who Are They Really For?
- Intended Audience: Legally marketed to adults 21+ as an alternative to smoking or vaping.
- Actual Audience: Rapidly growing in popularity among teenagers and young adults, despite age restrictions.
Why Are Nicotine Pouches So Popular Among Youth?
- Easily Accessible – Available at gas stations, convenience stores, and online. Many minors can purchase them without strict ID checks.
- Hidden in Plain Sight – Unlike vaping or smoking, nicotine pouches are smokeless and odorless, making them easy to use in school without detection.
- Social Media Promotion – “Zynfluencers” on platforms like TikTok normalize and promote their use, increasing exposure to youth.
- Athlete Endorsements – Professional athletes have been seen using and promoting these products.
Alarming Sales and Usage Trends
- In Q1 of 2024, Zyn alone sold 131.6 million cans worldwide, an 8.2% increase from the previous year. Sales are projected to reach 560 million cans by the end of 2024.
- A CDC report found that 1.8% of middle and high school students (about 890,000 youth) use nicotine pouches—an increase from 1.5% in 2023.
- The American Lung Association estimates that 25% of nicotine pouch users are underage.
Health Concerns: More Than Just Nicotine Addiction
How Much Nicotine Are Kids Really Consuming?
- A 6mg nicotine pouch delivers as much nicotine as 3 packs of cigarettes or 1.5 vape pods (2% strength) per day.
- Many young users chain-use multiple pouches, dramatically increasing their nicotine intake.
Known Health Risks
- Nicotine addiction – Even low doses can quickly lead to dependence, especially in developing brains.
- Cognitive Impairment – Nicotine affects attention, memory, and learning, making it harder for students to focus in school.
- Nicotine Poisoning – High doses can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and increased heart rate.
- Long-Term Health Risks – Nicotine use is linked to cardiovascular problems, increased cancer risk, and respiratory issues.
- Chemical Exposure – A 2022 study found 26 nicotine pouch samples contained cancer-causing chemicals, including ammonia, chromium, formaldehyde, nickel, and nicotine salt.
How Are Companies Getting Away With This?
- Big Tobacco Ties – Zyn is owned by Swedish Match, which is controlled by Philip Morris (the makers of Marlboro Cigarettes, Veev Vapes, and a 35% owner of JUUL Vapes).
- Marketing Loopholes – While Zyn denies using influencers, nicotine pouches are frequently promoted online, increasing exposure to minors.
- Regulatory Challenges – The FDA has issued warnings to retailers selling to minors, and some states are banning flavored nicotine products, but companies often find ways around restrictions.
What Can Be Done?
- More Research & Regulation – Health experts are calling for stricter enforcement of age restrictions and more research into the long-term effects of nicotine pouches.
- School Prevention Programs – Many schools are now implementing specialized prevention curriculums to educate students about the dangers of nicotine pouches.
- Parental Awareness – Parents need to be aware that their child could be consuming the equivalent of 3 packs of cigarettes a day without them knowing. Conversations about the dangers of nicotine addiction should start early.
Final Thought: A Growing Epidemic
While nicotine pouches may seem less harmful than traditional cigarettes, their high nicotine content, addictive nature, and appeal to youth make them a significant public health concern. Without stronger prevention efforts, more young people will become addicted to nicotine, putting their long-term health at serious risk.