Snus could get new generation hooked on nicotine, experts say

The next frontier in the nicotine crisis is triple the strength of a cigarette and experts are warning it could be the gateway for kids getting hooked on drugs.

Illegal nicotine pouches that can be discreetly tucked under the lips are alarmingly easy to purchase and could get a whole new generation of youngsters hooked, a Geelong Advertiser investigation can reveal.

The smokeless product, also known as snus or zyns, is about the size of a piece of chewing gum and can contain three times more nicotine than an average cigarette.

They are placed between the user’s lip and gum, allowing nicotine to absorb directly into the bloodstream.

The pouches have not been approved for sale in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), making them unlawful to sell, purchase or advertise.

Nicotine pouches are only lawfully available in a pharmacy to users with a valid prescription for smoking and vaping cessation.

The TGA states there is “no strong evidence” that shows nicotine pouches help people quit smoking or vaping.

A TGA spokesman said more than 6.5 million nicotine pouches had been seized by the Australian Border Force between January 1 and August 30 this year.

But that hasn’t deterred some retailers offering the harmful product capable of causing tooth loss and severe gum disease.

A shop attendant at one convenience store in central Geelong pulled out two varieties of tobacco-free nicotine pouches from under the counter when visited by this masthead.

At another store, a range of tobacco-free nicotine pouches were displayed on a wall behind the counter.

The varieties available contained 6mg and 30mg of nicotine per pouch.

Illegal nicotine pouches.

Quit director Rachael Andersen said the average pouch available in the US ranged from three to six milligrams of nicotine but could contain up to 40.

“The average cigarette contains 10 to 12mg of nicotine, though the body may only absorb one tenth of that nicotine through the act of smoking,” she said.

Ms Andersen said the nicotine concentration in a pouch was often “quite different” to what was on the label.

Quit director Rachael Andersen. Picture: Supplied

Snus has been popular around Europe, particularly in Sweden, for decades.

It commonly contains tobacco however newer tobacco-free varieties come in a range of fruity flavours and brightly coloured packaging, which experts warn make them “desirable” to young people.

Oral tobacco products have been banned in Australia since 1991.

Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman Dr Anne Stephenson said the nicotine industry was continuing to find new ways to market products to, and create addiction among, a new generation of young people.

“Because snus is an emerging issue, it’s difficult to know what the prevalence of use is in

Australia,” she said.

“Given the way social media can influence behaviour, its use is more likely to

increase if it isn’t addressed.

“Users are also more likely to use regular cigarettes, and it can also increase the future risk of addiction to other drugs.”

Dr Anne Stephenson. Picture: Ginger + Mint

Australian Dental Association spokeswoman and oral medicine specialist Dr Sue-Ching Yeoh said nicotine pouches could lead to gum irritation and, in some cases, lesions inside the mouth.

“Chronic or long-term use of nicotine pouches can lead to more severe gum problems, including irreversible damage to the gums and periodontal disease, an irreversible condition also known as severe gum disease which if left untreated can lead to tooth loosening and ultimately tooth loss,” she said.

“Additionally, there’s enough in the medical literature to say that regular use of nicotine products may lead to an increased risk of developing oral cancer.”

Australian Dental Association spokeswoman and oral medicine specialist Dr Sue-Ching Yeoh. Picture: Supplied

A Victoria Police spokesman said the use of nicotine products was “predominantly a health issue”.

“Local police in Geelong do not conduct routine enforcement on businesses selling nicotine pouches or snus,” he said.

“Police do however continue to target illicit tobacco and vape sales directly linked to organised crime.”

The City of Greater Geelong conducts regular tobacco retailer compliance assessments under the Tobacco Act 1987 however nicotine pouches are within the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

Council’s environmental health officers are not authorised under the latter.

Ms Andersen said authorities were continuing to act against those importing, advertising or selling illegal nicotine pouches.

“We need to see stronger action from border force to seize these products when they arrive in Australia and from state enforcement to penalise any retailer, online or in person, selling nicotine pouches or vapes to children or adults because both are illegal,” she said.

Originally published as Snus could get new generation hooked on nicotine, experts say