A letter to the editor from the Howard County Tobacco Prevention Coalition
Nicotine pouches are a newer form of smokeless nicotine that are rapidly gaining popularity. These small, discreet products are placed between the lip and gum and are often marketed as “tobacco-free” or a safer alternative to smoking or vaping. However, nicotine pouches still contain high levels of nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that poses serious risks to youth, young adults, and pregnant individuals.
In Indiana, about 1 in 20 high school students have tried a nicotine pouch, and use among youth has more than doubled since 2022. Among young adults ages 18–24, nearly nine percent report current use. Flavored varieties, low cost, and social media marketing have increased the appeal of these products, particularly among young people.
While nicotine pouches are sometimes promoted as quit tools, they are not FDA-approved for smoking cessation. More research is needed to fully understand their health effects, but no commercial tobacco or nicotine product is safe.
Free, confidential help to quit nicotine is available through Quit Now Indiana at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or QuitNowIndiana.com.