The Benefits of Making Nicotine Pouches Accessible to Smokers

While misinformation about nicotine pouches keeps spreading, a sensible move by Finland may help reinforce the products' presence as some of the most effective smoking cessation tools on the market.

Diane Caruana

September 6, 2024

As lawmakers worldwide are starting to take note of the increase in use of nicotine pouches (NPs), a study by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC – James) raised concerns that these products may act as a gateway to stronger tobacco addiction, particularly for Generation Z. Since NPs are simple to conceal and unlike traditional smokeless tobacco products, don’t require spitting, they are more appealing and less noticeable.

This ease of access, combined with their addictive potential, has raised concerns about the long-term effects on young users. However, tobacco harm reduction experts highlight that this potential for nicotine addiction does not necessarily translate into eventual smoking. Actually the opposite is true.

As in the case of vaping, instead of directly causing cigarette smoking, a pre-existing tendency to use nicotine products may explain why some young people engage in both behaviors. A recent study has introduced the idea of the “counterfactual,” questioning what these youths would do if novel nicotine products did not exist, and concluded that they would likely smoke, as they in fact did in the past. This viewpoint is backed by data showing a decrease in youth smoking since 2004, with an even faster decline after e-cigarettes became available.

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A progressive move by Finnish authorities

In Sweden, smoking rates have plummeted from 16.5% to under 6% over a decade due to the availability of safer nicotine alternatives like vapes and pouches, and so have tobacco-related diseases and conditions.

Thinking along these lines, Finland is planning to raise taxes on tobacco/nicotine products but will exempt vapes and nicotine pouches from the increase, with the aim of encouraging smokers to switch to these safer alternatives. Yet, despite evidence supporting the products as smoking cessation tools, anti-smoking organization Suomen ASH has criticized this decision. The group argued that nicotine is highly addictive and harmful, particularly for young people, and that smokers should not be encouraged to switch to cheaper alternatives.

However, Suomen ASH’s arguments contrast with findings from Finland’s neighbour: Sweden, where smoking rates have plummeted from 16.5% to under 6% over a decade due to the availability of safer nicotine alternatives like vapes and pouches, and so have tobacco-related diseases and conditions. In fact, Sweden is now the first country worldwide on the verge of becoming “smoke-free.”

In contrast, countries with strict vaping regulations, such as Australia and Brazil, have witnessed a rise in black markets for the products. In Australia, violent turf wars have erupted over illegal vape sales, while Brazil’s ban on vapes since 2009 has failed to curb their availability, with millions of smokers using them through illicit channels.

NPs may be the cheapest alternative nicotine products on the market

Moreover, a new study by Alternix revealed that nicotine pouches are currently the most cost-effective option for smokers, offering significant savings. Cigarette smoking, besides its well-known health risks, is also expensive. The research compared the costs of traditional cigarettes, disposable vapes, and nicotine pouches, showing that smokers can save nearly £3,000 annually by switching to nicotine pouches. With cigarettes costing around £3,294 per year, nicotine pouches offer a 150% reduction in expenses. Interestingly, nicotine pouches also outperformed disposable vapes in cost-effectiveness, saving users £156 yearly. Over a lifetime, smokers could save over £174,000 by switching to nicotine pouches, this alongside a newly improved health status.