Online purchasing of 'Snus' by teenagers persists, despite the imposed ban - Teenagers finding ways to purchase and consume snus online, despite legal restrictions
In Germany, a growing concern surrounds the use of nicotine pouches, small products that are currently banned under food law due to their high nicotine content. Despite the ban, these pouches, also known as 'pouches' or 'snus', can easily be obtained online.
These pouches can contain up to 50 milligrams of nicotine, significantly more than a cigarette. This high concentration has raised alarm bells, with one in seven 16- or 17-year-old students in Germany reportedly having consumed nicotine pouches at least once.
The youth who use these pouches often engage in mixed consumption with e-cigarettes, shishas, and classic cigarettes. The allure of these products is further enhanced by their promotion on social networks as 'daily companions' or 'performance boosters'.
The authorities responsible for monitoring and combating the illegal trade of nicotine pouches, including over 400 market surveillance agencies and customs authorities, face a complex oversight challenge due to the classification of nicotine pouches as non-approved food products. Organizations like the Federal Association of the Tobacco Industry (BVTE) have called for a centralized reporting portal and stricter enforcement measures, including high fines and enforcement of age restrictions.
Nicotine pouches are discreet and easy to hide, often resembling harmless gum. This discreet nature, combined with a lack of effective age verification for online sales, makes them particularly appealing to young people. Researchers at the Institute for Therapy and Health Research in Kiel found that ordering nicotine pouches online allows anyone to receive their delivery, regardless of age.
In a self-experiment, the researchers ordered 16 nicotine pouches from various German-language websites and received all 16 orders without any age verification during the ordering process or upon delivery. The responses from local authorities varied widely when the buyers reported the violations.
Regular consumption of nicotine pouches can lead to rapid nicotine addiction with serious health consequences such as impaired brain development and heart and circulatory problems. Consumption can also cause symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or heart palpitations. Furthermore, these pouches may contain carcinogenic substances, adding to the health risks associated with their use.
Despite the ban and the associated health risks, the popularity of nicotine pouches among young people with low social status and high risk-taking behaviour continues to grow. It is crucial for authorities to strengthen their efforts to combat the illegal trade of these products and to ensure stricter age verification for online sales to protect the youth from the potential dangers of nicotine pouches.
