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Most people can’t identify nicotine pouches, which makes Canada’s recent decision all that more impressive
Most Americans are none the wiser when it comes to Gen Z’s newest method, nicotine pouches, which makes Canada’s recent decision all that more vital to overall human health.
Despite the countless health detriments and smoking cautionary tales, 34 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and 35 million are fans of puffing on a vape. But now it seems there’s another smoking king on the rise, and most people have never heard of it.
Nicotine pouches aren’t anything new
Earlier this year there was an enormous political humdrum as politicians on both sides of the aisle debated the validity of nicotine pouches. One brand in particular, Zyn, was put into question after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer put them on blast.
While the safety of such nicotine devices is still under debate, officials might first have to focus on making sure the public can identify nicotine pouches in the first place. The need has never been stronger following a survey from the Center for Tobacco Research at Ohio State University.
While about half of those surveyed could correctly identify cigarettes and vapes, only 25% could point out a nicotine pouch.
Canada did the right thing, but it could go further
Brittney Keller-Hamilton said that officials could force companies to dial down the flavorings, increase prices, and stop online purchases in a bid to cut down on Gen Z’s exposure to nicotine pouches. However, it’s worth noting that all of those changes have been applied to vaping and smoking with little success.
Canada seemingly realized this themselves last week (August 28) as they banned the sale of nicotine pouches on both convenience store and gas station shelves. They are now only available through pharmacies.
“All the stuff that’s clearly designed to target youth it’s over,” Health Minister Mark Holland told CBC News on Thursday. “It has been so deeply disturbing to see so many young people becoming addicted to these nicotine pouches who’ve never had any interaction with cigarettes.”
Fun flavors like Berry Frost and Tropic Breeze have also been removed from the shelves, with only traditional and menthol flavors now available.
