The Surge in Nicotine Pouch Uses Across the U.S.: How These Trends Are Reflected in Utah
Across the U.S., nicotine pouches have gained traction among young adults especially. The design, the discreet usage, and the tobacco-free nature has made these pouches an attractive source of nicotine as an alternative to smoking and vaping.
It is also these components which has fueled the widespread usage of nicotine, driving up the consumption across all states. These national trends are also reflected in Utah, where the appeal to the youth is continuing the increasing the usage of nicotine pouches.
The rise of nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches from brands such as Velo have been marketed as a tobacco-free alternative to traditional smoking and vaping. The small pouches can deliver nicotine without the need for combustion or inhalation, as the flavored pouches is placed under the lip.
One reason for the surge in popularity of Velo pouches is the less intrusive nicotine fix which users can get from these pouches. The sale of nicotine pouches have skyrocketed in the U.S. since their introduction in 2016. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sales have grown 300 times between 2016 and 2020.
One main reason for the growth in usage of nicotine pouches is the perception that nicotine pouches are less harmful than other traditional tobacco products.
This debate has made its way to public health experts, where the opinions are divided. Some believe these products can play a role in harm reduction, since it encourages smokers to use less dangerous alternatives. Other experts point out the potential health risks, since long-term studies on nicotine pouches are limited.
The youth appeal of nicotine pouches
Utah is a state known for strict anti-smoking laws and cultural emphasis on health. This is also why the rise of nicotine pouches has caught the attention of public health officials. Smoking rates in Utah are among the lowest in the country, but this has not made the state immune towards the surge in nicotine pouches.
It is especially among the younger demographics that this trend is growing, with many teens turning to the pouches.
A study by the CDC has highlighted nicotine pouch use among middle and high school students across the U.S., which is also a trend happening in Utah. However, there is growing concern that this trend is a product of a mistaken perception that nicotine pouches are harmless since they do not contain tobacco.
Another reason that nicotine pouches are popular among young people is social media. SoMe platforms are playing a role in normalizing the use of nicotine pouches through viral videos where young adults use nicotine pouches.
The role of flavors in nicotine pouch popularity
A factor which is fueling the popularity of nicotine pouches is the availability of various flavors. Nicotine pouches can be found with fruity blends and cool mint, which has become a major selling point for various brands such as Velo.
A 2021 report has found that mint was originally the most popular flavor, but fruit-flavored pouches have surged in popularity within the past years. It is especially the introduction of these sweeter flavors which is believed to be appealing to the younger users, who might otherwise not be attracted to nicotine products.
Political and regulatory battles
In both Utah and across the country, the rise of nicotine pouches has sparked political debates. Lawmakers are trying to figure out how to regulate these products, as they fall into a leagl grey area.
This is due to their nature not containing tobacco but containing nicotine. Compared to cigarettes and vaping devices, nicotine pouches are less restricted, which also makes them more accessible.
Both FDA and CDC have reported that vaping rates among teens have been dropping as a result of stricter regulations, but nicotine pouches are on the rise.
To curb this trend, some states have introduced legislation addressing marketing and sale of nicotine pouches, especially when it comes to minors. In Utah, the discussion is currently going on whether legislation of nicotine pouches should align with other tobacco products regarding age restrictions and advertising regulations.
However, there are public health advocates who are proponents of nicotine pouches, as these are seen as being products that could be a valuable tool for harm reduction for adult smokers looking to quit.
Health risks and long-term effects
Nicotine pouches are marketed as an alternative to smoking, but nevertheless, nicotine is still addictive. Research has found that nicotine exposure during adolescence can affect brain development, and consequently it can potentially lead to long-term cognitive and behavioral issues.
At this point in time, there is no long-term data to back up the health effects of nicotine pouches. This is also why health experts are divided on this matter.
On one hand, nicotine pouches are found to be less harmful than smoking due to the absence of combustion, but nicotine pouches do have addiction potential. More research is needed to back up the legislation of these products.
Looking ahead
Nicotine pouches continue to grow in popularity across both Utah and the U.S., which has been constituting a challenge for policymakers to balance harm reduction and consumer preferences. Sales are not seeming to slow down, making nicotine pouches a product that will stay on the market.
In Utah, the future of nicotine pouches will depend on state-level legislative actions and the broader national efforts to regulate the product.
