Nicotine pouches are looming as the next target in the battle to protect Australian youth from addictive products.
A recent University of Melbourne study of Australians under 40 found 25 percent had used the pouches, raising concerns among public health experts of a new wave of addictive and illegally sold nicotine-based products.
Associate Professor Michelle Jongenelis said nicotine pouches were small, pre-filled bags containing nicotine, sweeteners and flavourings.
Associate Professor Jongenelis said they were placed between the lip and gum, where their contents dissolved in the mouth and were absorbed into the bloodstream.
She said the study surveyed almost 1600 adolescents and adults aged between 16 to 39 years, with one in five respondents saying they 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.”
She said it wasn’t surprising that with all the attention on vapes, the industry and its retail sector allies had started promoting and selling a new 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.”
