The Finnish government is taking steps to regulate the use of nicotine pouches, a smokeless tobacco alternative, by bringing these products under the purview of existing tobacco laws. The move comes as concerns mount over the potential health risks associated with nicotine pouches, particularly among young people.
Nicotine pouches are small, tobacco-free bags that users place in their mouth, typically between the gum and lip. While they do not contain tobacco leaf, they do contain nicotine, an addictive stimulant derived from tobacco. Users consume nicotine pouches in a manner similar to snus, another smokeless tobacco product.
Read more: NICOTINE POUCH INGREDIENTS EXPLAINED
The government’s proposed regulations aim to curb nicotine levels in these pouches to 20 milligrams per gram of product, while also prohibiting online sales and limiting the range of available flavors. These measures are designed to make nicotine pouches less appealing to young people and to prevent the development of nicotine addiction.
Under the proposed legislation, retailers selling nicotine pouches would be required to obtain a license, while importers would face additional restrictions. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is leading the charge on this legislative package, which is expected to be presented to parliament this spring.
The government’s stance on nicotine pouches is informed by the Finnish health agency THL, which classifies nicotine as an addictive stimulant that can constrict blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and make users more susceptible to arrhythmia. By regulating these products, the government hopes to mitigate the potential health risks associated with oral nicotine use, particularly among youth.
Interestingly, the widespread availability of strong nicotine pouches in Finland has had an unexpected impact on the smuggling of oral tobacco products from neighboring Sweden. As nicotine pouches have become more accessible, the demand for smuggled snus has decreased dramatically, underscoring the need for effective regulation of these products.
News source: https://yle.fi/a/74-20078963