The Rise of Illegal Nicotine Pouches Among Australian Youth

Oct.15.2024
The Rise of Illegal Nicotine Pouches Among Australian Youth
A survey found that one in four Australian young people have used illegal nicotine pouches, citing taste preference.

According to a report from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC News) on October 15th, a survey conducted on Australian young people found that approximately one quarter had used illegal nicotine pouches. The survey, which involved nearly 1,600 participants aged 16 to 39, found that 34% of respondents used nicotine pouches because they liked the taste.


The research results were published in the journal "Drug and Alcohol Dependence," anonymously conducted online from April to June 2024, with 19% of participants reporting use of nicotine pouches in the past 30 days.


Michelle Jongenelis, Associate Professor of Behavioral Psychology at the University of Melbourne and co-author of the report, stated that as e-cigarettes face stricter scrutiny, retailers are shifting to selling other products.


The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has stated that nicotine pouches are subject to strict regulation and have not yet been approved for sale in Australia.


Jones emphasized the need for the government to monitor the use of nicotine pouches in a nationwide survey to understand their prevalence. She suggested strengthening enforcement measures, rather than just relying on legislative changes.


The sale of these products is illegal, so we need better enforcement measures and ensure enforcement covers all possible illegal 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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