New Zealand Faces Concerns Over Emerging Nicotine Pouch Trend
Anti-smoking advocates in New Zealand are expressing concern over the growing popularity of oral nicotine pouches, which they fear could overshadow progress made in reducing youth vaping rates. These highly addictive pouches, often sold under the brand name ZYN, are placed under the lip and absorbed in the mouth, presenting a new challenge in the fight against nicotine addiction.
While the sale of nicotine pouches was banned by the Labour government in 2020, it remains legal to import them from overseas for personal use. The coalition government has agreed in principle to explore legalizing the products for sale, a move that anti-smoking groups worry could lead to a new generation of nicotine addicts.
Despite a slight decline in youth vaping rates, New Zealand still ranks poorly on the international scale, with figures from 2023 showing that the country’s youth vaping rate is nearly three times higher than that of Canada, the United States, and Australia. Students have reported widespread use of vapes in school bathrooms, with some noting that parental vaping habits and access to vapes through parents contribute to the problem.
The nicotine pouches, which come in brightly colored tins and a variety of flavors, are owned by tobacco giant Philip Morris International (PMI). A PMI spokesperson stated that Phillip Morris NZ is not selling nicotine pouches in New Zealand and that globally, PMI does not use social media influencers for ZYN. However, the products differ from existing nicotine replacement therapy options, as they are being sold as lifestyle products rather than medical devices.
Albany Senior High School principal Claire Amos has witnessed the vaping craze firsthand, with students becoming reliant on vapes as a means of managing anxiety and stress. Dr. Jude Ball, a senior research fellow of public health at the University of Otago, echoed these concerns, noting that the negative effects of vaping extend beyond physical health and can impact mental health and self-esteem.
In June, New Zealand will implement a complete ban on disposable vapes, and retailers will face stricter regulations on displays and product visibility. While these changes are welcomed by anti-smoking advocates, they remain concerned about the potential impact of oral nicotine pouches.
Unlike vaping, which produces noticeable vapour, the use of nicotine pouches can go largely undetected. This discreet nature of the product has raised fears that it could prove even more challenging to control than vaping.
As the government considers legalizing nicotine pouches for sale, anti-smoking advocates are urging caution and emphasizing the need for evidence-based policies that prioritize public health and protect young people from nicotine addiction. The emergence of this new trend highlights the ongoing challenges in combating nicotine use and the importance of comprehensive strategies to prevent a new generation from falling victim to addiction.
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