Research From The University Of Melbourne, Australia: Nicotine Pouches Have Become A New Favorite Among Young People, With 25% Of Respondents Saying They Have Used Them

Research from the University of Melbourne, Australia: Nicotine pouches have become a new favorite among young people, with 25% of respondents saying they have used them

The survey shows that one in four young people in Australia use nicotine bags. Although it is illegal to buy or sell nicotine bags without a prescription, researchers found that one-third of the respondents still bought them illegally from tobacco dealers. Researchers called on the government to strengthen monitoring and record the use of nicotine bags.

According to Mirage News on September 26, the latest survey shows that one in four young Australians use nicotine bags.

A study conducted by Michelle Jongenelis, an associate professor at the University of Melbourne, in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence on nearly 1,600 adolescents and adults aged 16 to 39 showed that one in five respondents had used nicotine bags in the past 30 days. Although it is illegal to buy or sell nicotine bags without a prescription in Australia, one-third of the respondents said they bought them from tobacco dealers.

"Our findings suggest we need to start monitoring this new product, understand how it is used and how young people are getting access to it."

"As expected, as e-cigarettes have gained widespread attention, the industry and its retail allies have quietly begun promoting and selling a new addictive product to young Australians. Nicotine pouches are concealed and come in a variety of flavors, factors that make them attractive to young people. They are sold illegally by tobacco companies, just like e-cigarettes."

Jongenlis said there is limited research on nicotine pouches and their use in Australia.

"It is worrying that these addictive products are getting into the hands of young people. The government should be vigilant to attempts by the industry and its retail allies to attract the next generation. Enforcement of new e-cigarette regulations should also include other illegal nicotine products. National surveillance surveys should include records of the use of new nicotine products."