The use of nicotine pouches by teenagers is growing at a dangerous pace, a new study warns. Researchers say use of the products by high schoolers nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024.

The lead author says, “Like flavored e-cigarettes when they first emerged, use of this new oral nicotine product is becoming more widespread, particularly among adolescents.”

Nicotine pouches are small, dissolvable pouches containing nicotine powder, flavorings, and other ingredients, but no tobacco. They are placed in the mouth between the upper lip and gum, where the nicotine is absorbed.

The researchers analyzed substance use questionnaires filled out by more than 10,000 10^th and 12^th graders.

In 2024, 5.4% of the students said they had ever used nicotine pouches, compared to 3% in 2023. The number who reported using them in the last 30 days also increased year-to-year.

And while teen vaping decreased, dual use of both e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches increased in 2024. In 2024, 3.6% of teens said they had used both products in the past 12 months, compared to 2.1% in 2023.

Researchers say the long-term health effects of nicotine pouches are unknown, but like any nicotine product, they carry the risk of addiction and

and some users have complained about mouth sores and gum irritation after using them.

The senior author says. “Parents, teachers, and pediatricians should be aware that teen nicotine pouch use is increasing across the nation.”

The American Heart Association and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids are calling for tougher regulation of nicotine pouches.

Source: JAMA Network Open

Author Affiliations: Keck School of Medicine

Teen Use of Nicotine Pouches on the Rise

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