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4w ago

Nicotine Pouch Use Among U.S. Teens Doubles, Raising Health and Regulatory Concerns

A USC study reveals a sharp rise in adolescent nicotine pouch use, with 5.4% of high schoolers reporting use in 2024, prompting calls for stricter regulations and targeted prevention.

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A new study found that nicotine pouch use among teens nearly doubled in one year.

Overview

  • Nicotine pouch use among U.S. high school students nearly doubled from 3.0% in 2023 to 5.4% in 2024, according to new research published in JAMA Network Open.
  • The study highlights increased past-month, past-year, and dual use of nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, even as overall vaping rates among teens declined slightly.
  • Male, non-Hispanic white, and rural teens were identified as the most likely demographic groups to use nicotine pouches, mirroring patterns seen with traditional smokeless tobacco products.
  • The FDA’s authorization of flavored Zyn nicotine pouches for adults 21+ has drawn scrutiny due to rising youth uptake and the role of social media influencers in promoting these products to younger audiences.
  • Researchers emphasize the need for continued monitoring, stricter flavor regulations, and tailored prevention strategies to address the unknown long-term health effects and growing normalization of nicotine use among teens.