Zyn: A Safer Source Of Nicotine Or Yet Another Threat To Kids?

Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping have each faced their own waves of backlash that have, to varying extents, decimated their cultural popularity. And some of the biggest companies in the tobacco industry have shifted their attention to new ways to deliver nicotine that appear to be less harmful to users.

Somewhere near the top of that list is Zyn, but there’s growing concern about how this product is marketed and who’s actually using it.

The new nicotine

Philip Morris, the company behind Marlboro and many other cigarette brands, is also responsible for Zyn. If you aren’t familiar with it (or competitors like On), here’s a brief introduction:

• It starts with a small pouch containing a nicotine powder
• Flavors include mint, citrus, and coffee
• The pouch is placed between the lips and gum
• Nicotine is absorbed directly into the bloodstream
• Unlike chewing tobacco, no spitting is required

Without the need for smoke or tobacco, it’s easy to make the argument that this is a preferable, if not exactly healthy, way to use nicotine. As such, it’s no surprise that products like Zyn represent the industry’s fastest growing segment.

Only for adults

Tobacco companies got in trouble for marketing campaigns that regulators said targeted kids, so Zyn has been clear that it’s intended for adults.

Of course, that doesn’t mean kids aren’t tempted to try it … and that has sparked mounting concerns about the widespread popularity of the product.

Stats show far more middle- and high-school students vape than use these pouches, but there’s been a spike in social media posts in which kids can be seen popping a Zyn in their mouths.

Combined with evidence that they contain low levels of potentially harmful substances, there’s plenty of investigation needed before Zyn can be seen as a “safe” smoking alternative.

Chris Agee April 27th, 2024

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