A new survey of young Australians has revealed that an alarming 25% of respondents have used nicotine pouches, raising concerns among public health experts about a new wave of addictive and illegally sold nicotine-based products. Nicotine pouches are small, pre-filled bags containing nicotine , sweeteners and flavorings. They are placed between the lip and gum, where their contents dissolve in the mouth and are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Michelle Jongenelis, Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, surveyed almost 1600 adolescents and adults aged between 16 to 39 years for a study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence . One in five respondents had used nicotine pouches in the past 30 days. While it is illegal to buy or sell nicotine pouches in Australia without a prescription, one third of those surveyed said they had purchased the pouches from a tobacconist.
Associate Professor Jongenelis said it was important not to lose sight of emerging addictive products marketed towards young Australians amid the Federal Government's latest vape reforms. "Our findings suggest that we need to start monitoring this new product and understand how it is being used and how young people are able to purchase them," Associate Professor Jongenelis said. "It isn't surprising that with all the attention on vapes, the industry and its retail sector allies have quietly started promoting and selling a new addictive product to young Australians.
"Nicotine pouches are discreet and ava.
