Rising Concern: One in Four Australian Youth Use Nicotine Pouches

Sep.26.2024
Rising Concern: One in Four Australian Youth Use Nicotine Pouches
A quarter of Australian youth are using nicotine pouches, with concerns rising about the black market and youth addiction.

According to a report by Mirage News on September 26th, the latest survey shows that one quarter of Australian young people use nicotine pouches.


Associate Professor Michelle Jongenelis from the University of Melbourne recently published a study in the journal "Substance Use and Misuse" that surveyed nearly 1600 adolescents and adults aged 16 to 39. The research found that one in five participants had used nicotine pouches in the past 30 days. Despite it being illegal to purchase or sell nicotine pouches without a prescription in Australia, one-third of the survey participants reported buying these products from tobacco retailers.


Our research findings indicate the need to begin monitoring this new product, understanding its usage patterns, and how young people are acquiring them.


As expected, with e-cigarettes receiving widespread attention, the industry and its retail alliances have quietly begun to promote and sell a new addictive product to young Australians. Nicotine pouches are discreet, come in various flavors, and are appealing to young people for these reasons. They are being illegally sold by tobacco merchants, much like e-cigarettes.


Jones said that there is currently limited research on nicotine pouches and their use in Australia.


It is concerning that these addictive products are making their way into the hands of teenagers. The government should be wary of the industry and its retail allies attempting to attract the next generation. The enforcement of new e-cigarette regulations should also include other illegal nicotine products. National surveillance studies should include monitoring of the use of new nicotine products.


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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.

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