Baltimore, U.S., Targets Philip Morris Over ZYN Marketing to Youth

May.12
Baltimore, U.S., Targets Philip Morris Over ZYN Marketing to Youth
Baltimore city officials have filed a lawsuit against Philip Morris International, Swedish Match North America, and Swedish Match USA, accusing the companies of targeting minors in marketing their ZYN nicotine pouches. PMI said it had not yet received the complaint and stressed that its products are marketed exclusively to adults aged 21 and over.

Key points of focus:

 

1.The city of Baltimore alleges that ZYN's marketing strategy for nicotine pouches specifically targets minors.

 

2.The lawsuit highlighted ZYN's false advertising and its potential health risks.

 

3.The mayor stressed that the city government will resolutely combat this unethical market behavior.

 

4.PMI stated in response that it has not received any complaints and emphasized that its marketing is only targeted towards adults aged 21 and above.

 


 

According to a report from CBS News, the government of Baltimore, United States has filed a lawsuit against the owner of ZYN nicotine pouches, alleging that they specifically target children through deceptive marketing tactics, in violation of the city's consumer protection laws.

 

The lawsuit specifically named the following companies: Philip Morris International, Inc., Swedish Match North America LLC, and Swedish Match USA, Inc.

 

According to the lawsuit documents, these companies are accused of targeting children and teenagers through the marketing of different flavors of Zyn, promotions on social media, and false advertising.

 

Mayor Brandon Scott stated:

 

The manufacturer of ZYN prioritizes profit over the health and safety of Baltimore citizens, especially our children. My office will not stand idly by.

 

He pointed out that these nicotine pouches are highly addictive. The city government further accused these companies of inaccurately promoting ZYN as a smokeless tobacco product and failing to warn consumers of its increased nicotine absorption compared to traditional cigarettes. According to the lawsuit, the companies attract and retain young customers through reward programs that offer discounts, free products, and exclusive events.

 

The definition of ZYN nicotine pouches is to place them between the lip and gum to deliver nicotine into the bloodstream. The pouches contain stabilizers, fillers, pH regulators, flavorings, sweeteners, and nicotine salts.

 

In January 2025, the FDA approved the sale of twenty different flavors of nicotine pouches, marking the first time the regulatory agency has allowed nicotine pouches to be sold as alternatives to cigarettes.

 

Despite ZYN's warning labels clearly stating that the product is not intended for minors, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with risk factors for heart disease or high blood pressure, a lawsuit in Baltimore City still compares the addictive nature of nicotine to cocaine and heroin, citing Senator Chuck Schumer's statement referring to ZYN products as a "pouch packed with problems".

 

Although some argue that nicotine pouches can help smokers reduce their smoking, many others are concerned about their health risks. Some experts point out that cardiovascular and oral health risks increase and toxic chemicals may damage gums or lead to infection or cancer.

 

PMI stated in a declaration:

 

While we have not received any complaints and cannot comment at this time, we can assure you that the interests of Philip Morris International (PMI) and its affiliated companies will be vigorously defended. ZYN is intended for adults 21 and older - indeed, it is the only nicotine pouch product authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We are committed to responsible marketing practices, targeting only adults 21 and older.

 

The company stated that the manufacturer of ZYN, Swedish Match, will not use American social media influencers or anyone under the age of 35 in their marketing strategy.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Product | ELFBAR Launches New Disposable E-Cigarette with Curved Display, 40,000-Puff Capacity in Middle East
Product | ELFBAR Launches New Disposable E-Cigarette with Curved Display, 40,000-Puff Capacity in Middle East
ELFBAR has launched a new e-cigarette, the Elfbar Moonlight, with a curved screen that shows real-time e-liquid and battery levels. It holds 22ml of e-liquid and can deliver up to 40,000 puffs in ECO mode, or about 1,818 puffs per milliliter. The device is currently sold only in the Middle East for around $13.62.
May.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Chinese Taiwan Cracks Down on New Tobacco Products with 710,000 Inspections
Chinese Taiwan Cracks Down on New Tobacco Products with 710,000 Inspections
Since revising its laws, Chinese Taiwan has conducted over 710,000 inspections and issued nearly NT$500 million in fines, yet gaps remain in regulating online marketing.
May.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
[2Firsts Feature] How Gen Z Entrepreneurs Are Disrupting the U.S. Nicotine Market with a Thin Strip
[2Firsts Feature] How Gen Z Entrepreneurs Are Disrupting the U.S. Nicotine Market with a Thin Strip
Gen Z is redefining the innovation path for nicotine products. A young entrepreneurial duo is aiming to stir up a new wave in the U.S. market—with a thin nicotine strip from Sweden.
May.28
BAT Subsidiary Acquires Three More CHUC E-Cigarette Products in $1.5 Million Deal
BAT Subsidiary Acquires Three More CHUC E-Cigarette Products in $1.5 Million Deal
Charlie’s Holdings has amended its deal with BAT’s R.J. Reynolds Vapor, selling three more PACHA synthetic nicotine e-cigarette products for $1.5 million. This brings BAT’s total acquisition to 15 CHUC products submitted for PMTA since April.
Jul.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observation | DEMANDVAPE and Other Leading U.S. E-Cigarette Distributors Launch Registration Systems, Open Only to Businesses
2Firsts Observation | DEMANDVAPE and Other Leading U.S. E-Cigarette Distributors Launch Registration Systems, Open Only to Businesses
U.S. e-cigarette distributor DEMANDVAPE has launched a registration system for corporate users only, with new warnings on nicotine health risks and battery safety.
May.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
North Carolina Enforces Comprehensive E-Cigarette Regulations: Unlisted Products Banned Starting July
North Carolina Enforces Comprehensive E-Cigarette Regulations: Unlisted Products Banned Starting July
Starting July 1, 2025, North Carolina will ban the sale of e-cigarettes and related products not listed in the state’s official product directory. Violations may lead to fines up to $10,000 per product, license suspension, and product destruction.
Jul.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai