Representatives from the retail sector, the tobacco industry, and politicians recently met in Stockholm to discuss how age verification protects teens from using new nicotine products. This is an extremely important issue, both in Sweden and the rest of the world. Using nicotine pouches is a powerful way to enjoy nicotine without smoking. But these products were never supposed to be used by young teenagers.
Nicotine pouches are pouches filled with natural or synthetic nicotine, binders, and flavorings. They were introduced as a simple and socially acceptable way to enjoy nicotine. No loose tobacco, none of the toxins found in traditional snus, and no risk of tooth discoloration.
So why did the issue of “white snus” become such a heated debate? Some NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations) such as A Non Smoking Generation deny that snus reduces smoking. Even that nicotine pouches are far less harmful than smoking. A quick media analysis shows that nicotine pouches have become something of a “public health enemy number one”. This is a bit of a mystery.
A far safer bet
No reports on deaths caused by nicotine pouches exists today. There are currently virtually no scientific evidence that their use is harmful. The major problem with nicotine pouches is instead that nicotine is addictive. Furthermore, we do not know how high levels of nicotine affects young brains. That is the foundation of much of the negative publicity around nicotine pouches and vapes; that we need to protect young people.
That is also why Sweden, like most other countries, has a strict minimum age limit of 18. In our Swedish webshop, Odenssnus.se, we require an identity check upon delivery. Other online retailers have also tightened their rules. Most have implemented solid age verification upon ordering, which isn’t as powerful as upon delivery.
The Swedish snus e-tailer Snusbolaget does an annual survey of snus and nicotine habits. In their latest survey (in Swedish only), they asked under-18 year olds where they buy their products. Most of the respondents say they buy from regular tobacconists. This means that they are either deceiving staff, for example with fake ID, or that the store does not check.
Accessibility is the real issue
So what are the solutions? One way of solving the issue would be some kind of an age check technology, perhaps using AI. This would require some kind of terminal or app. But for many corner stores selling sweats, drinks, magazines and nicotine, investing in technical solutions could be expensive.
The Swedish service stations association has argued that sales outlets are already cluttered with bespoke systems for different uses. For example lottery solutions and package delivery terminals. It would be impractical to add yet another one. In the best of all worlds, all stores would be meticulous in their ID checks. Then we would not have this issue.
As things stand today, there are powerful forces that want to ban nicotine pouches. Their one strong argument against nicotine pouches is that young people are using them. This is no different from controlling the sales of cigarettes, alcohol or even laughing gas which some young people use as party drugs. These products are all restricted for a good reason. But focusing on banning nicotine pouches rather than restricting access for teens is counter productive.
