Products
Nicotine Only
The Dangers of Tobacco-Free Products
Big Tobacco is always evolving — and now they’re selling nicotine without tobacco to dodge public scrutiny. These “nicotine-only” products come in sleek packaging, sweet flavors and high-tech forms. While they may look new, the goal is the same: Hook an unsuspecting generation on nicotine.
A Growing Market of New Products and Customers
By deceptively marketing nicotine-only products as “less dangerous” than traditional cigarettes, Big Tobacco is attracting new customers at lightning speeds. These products include:
- Pouches
- Toothpicks
- Disposable e-cigarettes
The Concern About Nicotine Pouches
Over the last few years, nicotine pouches such as Zyn have surged in popularity — especially among teens and non-tobacco users. This is a concerning new trend.
The Dangers of Nicotine for Developing Brains
Regardless of its origin, all nicotine remains highly addictive and harmful for all Oklahomans — but especially still-developing teen brains. In addition to increasing irritability, mood swings and other mental health problems, nicotine usage disrupts the brain circuits that regulate:
- Memory
- Concentration
- Learning
Worst of all, nicotine use places youth at serious risk for a lifelong and deadly addiction. Learn more about how nicotine harms teen brains here.
Legal Loopholes for Nicotine-Only Products
Nicotine-only products surged in popularity after the FDA banned flavored, refillable vapes in 2020 — then the “Puff Bar loophole” was born. Puff Bar produced disposable vapes that were exempt, and they flourished until the FDA ordered their products off the market. They quickly pivoted with a synthetic nicotine version, which was an instant hit with teens who vape, according to a 2021 survey by the CDC and FDA.¹
Fortunately, tobacco laws now clarify that synthetic nicotine products be regulated by the FDA like tobacco-derived nicotine products. While that legislation was a major win for tobacco control advocates, countless other loopholes remain — especially in terms of taxes.
Tax Loopholes for Nicotine-Only Products
Despite study after study proving that taxes on tobacco products reduce usage, Oklahoma excluded nicotine-only products from tobacco taxes in 2021, making them affordable … and appealing.
A measure requested by Big Tobacco was rushed through the legislative process, which:
- Changed the definition of some tobacco products
- Exempted new and emerging products from tobacco taxation
Read more about Big Tobacco’s Oklahoma tax loophole here.
Bottom Line: Nicotine Is Harmful. Period.
Tobacco-free doesn’t mean risk-free. These new products are just the latest way Big Tobacco sells addiction, and they’re targeting our kids to do it.
Need Help Quitting Nicotine?
For youth ready to quit, help is available. Visit TSETHealthyYouth.com to find free, youth-focused quit programs backed by science.