The French government has announced its intention to ban nicotine sachets – products that have contributed to a significant decline in smoking rates in other countries, such as Sweden. Nicotine sachets are popular among former smokers because of their low toxicity levels, their ability to be used discreetly almost anywhere, and their effectiveness in satisfying the need for nicotine.
The Main Argument for the Ban
The main reason for the planned ban is concern that the sachets may attract young people. Health Minister Genevieve Darrieussecq explained in an interview with Le Parisien that the sachets contain “high doses of nicotine” and are advertised in a way that appeals to young people. She described them as “dangerous,” especially for non-smokers who may become addicted to nicotine. An official announcement of the ban is expected in the coming weeks.
Criticism of the Decision
Michael Landl, director of the World Vaping Alliance (WVA), criticized the decision, saying it takes away a valuable tool that helps smokers quit. He pointed out that nicotine sachets are a safer and effective alternative to cigarettes that have proven successful in other countries. He added that the ban could prompt people to return to smoking or seek nicotine products on the black market.
Enforcement Challenges
Similar bans in other countries have proven difficult to enforce. In Germany, for instance, nicotine pouches remain widely available despite a ban, suggesting that compliance with such legislation could be ineffective. Landl suggested that stricter advertising restrictions and youth access controls would be a more effective solution.
Nicotine Pouches as a Less Harmful Alternative
Nicotine pouches are one of the least harmful alternatives to tobacco products, with a risk profile comparable to gum or nicotine patches. Countries that support safer nicotine products can achieve lower smoking rates faster, resulting in fewer smoking-related illnesses and deaths.
Research Confirms Effectiveness of Nicotine Pouches
An independent study of vaping and nicotine pouches found that these products can effectively help reduce smoking rates, especially among people of low socioeconomic status who have no plans to quit. In the study, participants were divided into three groups (e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and a control group) and monitored for eight weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked per day – the group using e-cigarettes reduced consumption from 14.7 to 2.9 cigarettes per day, while the group using sachets reduced consumption from 15.0 to 8.3.
Balancing Youth Concerns with Benefits for Adult Smokers
A review of studies on the potential health benefits of nicotine pouches confirms that these products can reduce the harms of smoking by delivering nicotine with fewer toxicities than burned products. Sixty-two publications were analyzed, indicating relatively low use of pouches among adolescents and their greater popularity among adult smokers.
Tobacco harm reduction experts agree that concerns about young people should be taken seriously, but must not overshadow the benefits that nicotine pouches can bring to adult smokers who are trying to quit. It’s worth remembering that people who consciously use nicotine pouches are unlikely to give them up overnight, as can be seen, for example, in Germany, where the market is expanding into hard-to-reach but desirable products.
