Smokeless Tobacco New Modern Oral Nicotine Product

UIHS CommunicationsAll News, Tribal Public Health

It is being reported that cigarette use in California has steadily been going down for years now and across the country. The youth of today know the dangers associated with commercial tobacco and grew up in a time when cancer was scientifically linked to smoking. Whoever said, “When you take something away, you should replace it with something.” must have been in earshot. Perhaps that person worked for the commercial tobacco industry, hence, the rebirth of smokeless tobacco. 

The new oral nicotine pouches such as Zyn and other products have gained popularity with the youth for many reasons. Smokeless tobacco is being made into a tasty experience that not only tastes and smells good but is more vigorous and packs more punch than past products. Scientific evidence shows that tobacco industry advertising and promotion influences young people to start using commercial tobacco. The pouches can be used privately without anyone knowing. Other brands that are selling nicotine pouches like hotcakes are Rouge, On! And Velo. Sales of these brands alone have increased six-fold between 2019 and 2022. Philip Morris International, a producer of Zyn, recently reported that its shipments of Zyn nicotine pouches rose nearly 80% in the first quarter of 2024. 

It is no secret that the tobacco industry needs “replacement smokers,” and they are successfully obtaining them through product innovation and aggressive marketing strategies, mainly targeting youth and historically youth who live in under-served communities. Commercial tobacco companies have invested billions in developing and marketing smoke-free alternatives. These new products are specifically designed to appeal to younger consumers, raising serious concerns about a new generation facing nicotine addiction.