Recent survey results have raised concerns about the use of nicotine pouches among young Australians, especially in light of the current crackdown on vaping. The survey, which targeted Australians aged 16 to 39, found that 26 percent had used nicotine pouches at some point.
Nicotine pouches are small bags filled with nicotine that are placed between the lip and gum to dissolve and enter the bloodstream. It is illegal to purchase or sell these pouches without a prescription.
Despite this, the survey of 1,598 participants revealed that 19 percent had used nicotine pouches in the last 30 days, with one-third obtaining them from tobacconists.
Michelle Jongenelis, the researcher from Melbourne University who conducted the study, emphasized the need for monitoring nicotine pouch use due to limited research on the topic in Australia. She warned that governments should be vigilant against attempts by the industry to target the younger generation.
Concerns Amid Vape Crackdown
This survey comes at a time when Australia is cracking down on vaping. New regulations require vapes to be sold only in pharmacies, limiting vape flavors to mint, menthol, and tobacco, and prohibiting non-pharmacy retailers like tobacconists from selling vapes.
Jongenelis stressed the importance of enforcing these new laws to also address other illegal nicotine products and prevent the marketing of addictive products to young Australians.
She expressed concern that while the focus is on vapes, the industry is quietly promoting and selling new addictive products to adolescents, which is alarming.
Rachael Anderson, the Quit Director, criticized the tobacco industry for its predatory tactics in targeting new customers with these addictive products.
One of the reasons nicotine pouches are attractive to young Australians is their discreet nature and the availability of various flavors. The survey found that 34 percent of users cited liking the flavors as a reason for using the pouches, while 32 percent mentioned using them to quit smoking.
The study also revealed that men and individuals currently using tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes were more likely to use nicotine pouches.
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