Ashwin Rodrigues, a freelance journalist, discusses the rise of nicotine pouches in the U.S. and their potential as a quitting tool. Marina von Stackelberg, CBC's reporter, talks about the controversial brand, Zonnic, being sold in Canada. Topics include the popularity of nicotine pouches, concerns about accessibility and marketing targeting youth, and the high rates of teenage vaping.
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Quick takeaways
Nicotine pouches offer a discreet and potentially safer alternative to smoking and vaping.
Health organizations are concerned about the accessibility of nicotine pouches to young people and call for stricter regulations.
Deep dives
What are nicotine pouches and how do they work?
Nicotine pouches are small sachets filled with white nicotine powder derived from tobacco. Unlike chewing tobacco, these pouches do not require spitting and offer a discreet way to consume nicotine. They come in various flavors like mint, cinnamon, and citrus, and are often marketed with vibrant packaging similar to gum. Popular brands like Zinn in the US offer a range of flavors. Though their long-term health effects are still unknown, these pouches are seen as a potential tool for smoking cessation and as a substitute for vaping.
Concerns and popularity of nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches like Zinn and Snus have gained popularity globally, particularly in Sweden, where they have a deep cultural tradition. However, the product has faced criticism and concerns from various groups. Some health organizations argue that the bright packaging, appealing flavors, and marketing strategies targeting young people make these products easily accessible to minors. They call for stricter regulations to prevent underage access and request classifying them as prescription products or implementing temporary bans until proper regulations are in place.
Regulation and debate around Zonic in Canada
Zonic, a similar nicotine pouch brand to Zinn, has recently been approved for sale in Canada. However, health organizations have expressed serious concerns about its availability to young people without any restrictions. Since Zonic falls under natural health product regulations and contains synthetic nicotine, it bypasses regulations meant for tobacco products. Health groups highlight the lack of age-specific restrictions and worry about candy-like packaging and colorful marketing campaigns that appeal to youth. They urge Health Canada to take swift action to prevent youth uptake and to reconsider authorizing similar nicotine pouch brands under current regulations.
Snus in Sweden, Zyn all over TikTok and now, Zonnic in Canada. Nicotine pouches have been gaining profile, from Major League baseball dugouts to Joe Rogan’s podcast.
What are they? How are they different from vapes, dip and cigarettes? Are they a helpful tool for people looking to quit, or just hooking a new generation?
First, freelance journalist Ashwin Rodrigues takes us through the product’s rise in the U.S. and then CBC’s Marina von Stackelberg tells us why Zonnic, the brand being sold in Canada, is already controversial.
For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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