By Mandy Parsons

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2023 National Tobacco Youth Survey, about 2.8 million middle and high school students reported using tobacco. This is about 10% of students with most frequently used products being e-cigarettes (vaping), cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and nicotine pouches.

One popular nicotine product among this age group is known under its brand name, ZYN™. You may be wondering, What are ZYNs? Marketed as an alternative to smoking or dipping, ZYNs are oral nicotine pouches that come in flavors such as mint, coffee, and cinnamon.

Predictably, a product intended for adult use has become fashionable with adolescents, thanks to the help of ZYNfluencers and many others who tout its benefits. But are ZYN pouches safe?

There are conflicting opinions about ZYN safety and its effects on your brain and body. Let’s take a closer look at how ZYNs work, their appeal, and potential risks to your health.

How Do ZYNs Work and Why Are They So Popular?

ZYN pouches contain nicotine salts, stabilizers, fillers, pH balancers, sweeteners, and food flavorings. Users place the ZYN pouch under their lip and leave it there for up to 30 minutes during which they experience a continuous release of nicotine.

ZYN advertises its pouch as a “discreet” smoke- and tobacco-free substitute for smoking or vaping. And while a ZYN spokesperson told Education Week it does not market to teens, there is concern about how quickly the ZYN trend is catching on with kids.

One reason for its exploding popularity is convenience. Students can pop a ZYN during school hours and avoid being caught by teachers or vape detectors. Also, nicotine pouches do not face the same flavor restrictions as vapes.

Another major factor driving sales among youth are ZYNfluencers. These strategic influencers pervade social media by talking about the pouch and posting videos using it. ZYNfluencers have literally helped the brand go viral.

ABC News reports that the hashtag #ZYN has amassed more than 700 million views on TikTok alone. This social media exposure has piqued the curiosity of Gen Z, many of whom are underage.

And although ZYNs are promoted as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products, they are not without risks. Are ZYNs bad for you? The answer depends on who you ask.

Although ZYNs are promoted as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products, they are not without risks.

Are ZYN Pouches Safe?

In addition to ZYNfluencers, celebrities are backing the use of ZYN. The Guardian asserts that right-wing influencers and pundits like Tucker Carlson are on the ZYN bandwagon, praising its benefits.

Carlson claims that ZYNs boost testosterone, mental acuity, and may even be a prophylactic against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. On the flip side, however, some politicians are speaking out about the dangers of ZYNs.

Democratic senator Chuck Schumer proposed regulating ZYN, citing its potential harmfulness to children. Nicotine is not meant to stay in the mouth for extended periods of time, and nicotine pouches have been known to cause mouth lesions, gum injuries, sore throat, and other oral problems.

Furthermore, nicotine is still an addictive substance, and ZYN pouches are highly addictive. The Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology published a study outlining the consequences of nicotine consumption. As you can imagine, the list is long and affects almost every major organ system in the body.

And although many say they are using ZYN to kick their smoking habit, there is no evidence it helps people quit.

The ZYN Trade-Off

The company’s website maintains that ZYN pouches are for “current” nicotine users only. Additionally, it encourages those who are concerned about the health effects of smoking or dipping to quit. Considering these criteria, ZYN may not be right for you.

There are many good reasons to avoid taking up smoking or to cease smoking altogether. For young people, nicotine exposure at such a critical age makes them especially vulnerable to developmental issues and health complications in adulthood.

Moreover, Harvard T.H. Chan warns that the nicotine in ZYN may increase cardiovascular disease risk in people not already using nicotine products.

Conversely, if you are someone who wants to stop a tobacco or nicotine habit, there are better ways to accomplish your goal. Switching to ZYN is trading one risky behavior for another. Consider first medication, a 12-Step program, counseling, physical activity, or relaxation techniques.  

We Are Here to Help

Pressure on today’s youth is unprecedented. If your tween or teenage son is struggling with substance use, mental health issues, or trauma of any kind, The Meadows Adolescent Center is here to help. We provide life-changing residential treatment that includes a wide range of proven therapy methods.

Our admissions specialists are skilled at helping potential patients, loved ones, and referring professionals find the right treatment fit. A simple call can get the process started. Please contact us today to learn more.