A new survey of young Australians has revealed that an alarming 25 percent of respondents have used nicotine pouches, raising concerns among public health experts of a new wave of addictive and illegally sold nicotine-based products.
Nicotine pouches are small, pre-filled bags containing nicotine, sweeteners and flavourings. 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 available in a variety of flavours – factors that make them appealing to younger Australians. Much like vapes, they are being sold illegally by tobacconists."
Associate Professor Jongenelis said there was limited research to date on nicotine pouches and their usage in Australia.
"It is concerning that these addictive products are finding their way into the hands of adolescents," she said.
"It's important for governments to be vigilant to attempts by the industry and its retail sector allies to hook the next generation. Enforcement of the new vape laws should also include other illegal nicotine products. Use of novel nicotine products should also be captured in national monitoring surveys."
Quit Director Rachael Andersen said the emergence of nicotine pouches was concerning.
"New products from the Big Tobacco industry are just new ways to addict susceptible young people to nicotine. This is an industry synonymous with predatory tactics to glean new customers," she said.
"We are concerned about the potential health consequences and the rate at which people can become dependent on using nicotine pouches. Anyone wanting support to end their nicotine addiction can reach out to Quitline at quit.org.au or call 13 78 48."
