All you should know about Nicotine Pouches
NICOTINE POUCHES ARE LEGAL IN THE UK
Most major tobacco companies make and sell nicotine pouches in the UK, and there are a large number of
small Scandinavian company who also specialise in making nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouches aren't currently
regulated as tobacco products, as they don't contain any tobacco, but they do still have to comply with the
General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
To view some examples of nicotine pouches click here
WHAT EXACTLY IS A NICOTINE POUCH
A nicotine pouch is a small bag, like a mini tea bag, which contains plant based fibres with added nicotine and
food grade flavourings.
They typically contain natural cellulose fibres, similar to what tea bags made from. These fibres absorb added
the nicotine and flavourings, and these are released into the saliva in your mouth.
HOW DO YOU USE THEM?
To use, you simply place a nicotine pouch under your lips, up above the tooth line, and the nicotine is released
into your bloodstream via your gums.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU KEEP A NICOTINE POUCH IN FOR?
You can leave your nicotine pouch in the mouth for up to 40 minutes. After this time, the benefits are negligible.
However, be careful as some pouches can be very strong, and if you start to feel dizzy you should remove the
pouch for a while. You could save it for later. Each tub/jar of pouches has a removable lid for you to keep your
used pouches.
MY GUMS FEEL SORE, IS THIS NORMAL?
If you are new to nicotine pouches, please note that you may feel a slight tingling or burning sensation under your lip when you place the pouch there. This is normal and is merely part of the nicotine absorption process. You can move the pouch around a bit to alleviate this feeling. As you become more accustomed to using nicotine pouches, this feeling will disappear. If you do have sensitive gums, then try dropping down to a lower strength of nicotine.
WHAT BENEFITS ARE THERE OF NICOTINE POUCHES?
Where to start, there are so many.
1) To start, nicotine pouches don't contain lots of deadly chemicals. You don't breath in carcinogenic smoke.
We're not saying that nicotine pouches are healthy, but research shows that they are a much healthier alternative.
2) You don't smell. No more "it's like kissing an ashtray!".
3) You can use them anywhere. No designated smoking areas.
4) They are discreet. You can be in the pub and satisfy your nicotine cravings, and no-one will know or care. You can satisfy your craving anywhere, anytime, in the office, on the train etc.
5) They are cheaper than cigarettes
6) They don't make your teeth brown!
7) They don't contain any tobacco
8) They don't run out of batteries, like vape pens!
9) They help you to quit. As they come in various strengths, you can whittle down the strength and reduce the
nicotine that you consume, and ultimately use pouches less often, and then not at all.
WHAT STRENGTH SHOULD I GO FOR?
This is difficult to answer. Please be advised that the very strong pouches (such as 50mg) will make the average
smoker feel dizzy, and you would need to take the pouch out after a few minutes to avoid feeling sick!
Some smoker have tried vaping but didn't feel that the vape gave them enough of a kick compared to cigarettes,
so if you think you fall into this category then go for something stronger, say 20mg or over.
Your average smoker would probably benefit from medium to strong (12mg to 25mg). A moderate to mild smoker could opt for something weaker than this.
If you feel that your gums are sensitive to the pouches, you could try a lower strength.
Ultimately, try a few strengths and go with what's best for you.
WHAT FLAVOUR SHOULD I GO FOR?
There are so many to choose, with many different brands, I would suggest treating it like a buffet! Sample everything that's available, and pick the ones you like most for seconds!
ARE THEY HEALTHIER THAN SMOKING?
There is a lot of scientific evidence that shows that nicotine pouches (and their tobacco predecessor 'Snus') are a much better alternative to smoking. Both snus and nicotine pouches originated from Sweden, where these
smokeless products are used by approximately 20% of the adult population. According to data from Eurobarometer, Sweden has the lowest prevalence of cigarette use in the European Union at only 5% (compared to roughly 15% in the UK), and in addition data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) show that Sweden has the lowest rate of tobacco related mortality and that amongst men they have the lowest incidence of lung cancer.
CAN I HAVE TOO MUCH NICOTINE?
It is highly unlikely that you could overdose with nicotine pouches unless you are doing something that you clearly shouldn't be doing. However, you can feel the affects of high nicotine doses with pouches, and these affects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, a dryness of the mouth and an elevated heart rate, and sweating.
If you experience any of these symptoms we suggest that you discard your nicotine pouch and refrain from any
nicotine ingestion for a few hours.
WHO SHOULD USE NICOTINE POUCHES?
Nicotine pouches should only be used by informed adults that are looking to quit smoking and/or vaping.
Nicotine is highly addictive and is NOT intended for use by children below the age of 18. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart disease, elevated blood pressure or diabetes should also NOT use nicotine pouches.
WHAT IS SNUS and ALL WHITE?
Snus is exactly like nicotine pouches, but they contain tobacco. They are small bags with tobacco in them. Snus
has been around for a very long time, and nicotine pouches are the new Snus, as they don't contain tobacco, and because they don't contain tobacco, and are white in colour, nicotine pouches are called All White. They are a healthier option to Snus.
Great article
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