Shownotes Transcript
Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free products containing nicotine, flavorings, and other ingredients, placed between the lip and gum for nicotine absorption. These pouches have rapidly gained popularity, leading to regulatory concerns about youth appeal and limited independent research on their long-term health effects. While marketed as a discreet alternative to smoking and snus, their classification and regulation vary significantly across countries, with some regions banning or restricting their sale while others permit them as nicotine replacement therapy. The contents typically include plant fiber, sweeteners, and various flavorings, with nicotine derived from tobacco or synthesized. Despite being considered potentially less harmful than smoking due to the absence of tobacco combustion, potential cardiovascular and reproductive risks associated with nicotine itself remain a subject of ongoing research and debate.