They don’t burn. They don’t carry the scent of stale tobacco. They depart no smoke behind. Nicotine pouches – small, white packets placed between the lip and gum – have long been marketed as a “clean,” modern, and seemingly harmless product.
Yet, concerns have been growing. Poison control centers, school physicians, and addiction specialists have reported a rise in nicotine pouch exposures, with over 90 cases recorded between 2023 and 2024, according to ANSES (Vigil’Anses n°26, 2025). Addiction specialists and school doctors are noting early nicotine exposure in adolescents, at a critical stage of brain development.
In response to these signals, a decree published in the Official Journal in September 2025 announced a ban on oral nicotine products, excluding medical use, with implementation expected between March and April 2026.
Nicotine Pouches: What Are They?
Nicotine pouches are small sachets made of plant fibers infused with nicotine, flavorings, and additives. They do not contain tobacco, unlike Swedish snus, but deliver nicotine through absorption via the oral mucosa.
Users place the pouch under their upper lip for 20 to 60 minutes, allowing the nicotine to diffuse directly into the bloodstream.
These products differ from nicotine replacement therapies sold in pharmacies – such as gums, patches, and lozenges – which are regulated as medications and used as part of smoking cessation programs. The pouches targeted by the ban do not fall into this therapeutic category and, until recently, lacked specific regulation in France.
Rising Popularity Among Young People
In its 2025 Vigil’Anses bulletin, ANSES reported that French poison control centers recorded over 90 cases related to nicotine pouches between 2023 and 2024. More than half of these cases – 54% – involved adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.
These figures represent only cases resulting in medical contact and do not reflect the full extent of use. However, ANSES highlights that these products are often used in groups, in school or social settings, and sometimes contain high doses of nicotine.
Several factors contribute to their popularity:
- Their discretion: no smoke, no odor.
- Online accessibility.
- Marketing focused on sweet or fruity flavors.
- A previous lack of clear regulation.
a product that is easy to consume without others noticing.
Nicotine: A Substance That’s Far From Harmless
According to ANSES (2023), nicotine is a highly addictive psychoactive substance that affects the central nervous system by stimulating the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in pleasure and reward mechanisms.
In adolescents, the brain is still developing, a process that continues until around age 25. Early exposure to nicotine can disrupt:
- circuits related to attention,
- memory,
- impulse control,
- emotional regulation.
The earlier initiation occurs, the greater the risk of long-term addiction. The French Observatory of Drugs and Addiction Trends (OFDT) reminds us that the brain vulnerability of young people promotes rapid addiction (OFDT, 2023).
Acute Intoxications: Documented Cases
Beyond addiction, nicotine pouches can cause acute poisoning. In its 2025 analysis, ANSES describes symptoms reported by poison control centers:
- severe nausea and vomiting,
- excessive salivation,
- dizziness,
- irregular heartbeat,
- low blood pressure,
- seizures in severe cases.
Some cases have required hospitalization. Nicotine acts on nicotinic receptors throughout the body. At high doses, it can cause what doctors call a “nicotine syndrome.” Adolescents, often inexperienced, may underestimate the amount absorbed, and some products contain high concentrations, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Do Nicotine Pouches Normalize Addiction?
Experts fear these pouches may serve as a gateway to other nicotine products. ANSES suggests a risk of normalizing nicotine use among young people who might not have started with cigarettes.
While longitudinal data is still lacking to measure this gateway effect, health authorities believe that the absence of combustion does not imply the absence of risk. Nicotine dependence, regardless of the form of administration, can maintain or reinforce addictive behavior.
the 2023-2027 National Tobacco Control Program aims for a tobacco-free generation by 2032. Preventing the emergence of new products attractive to young people is a priority.
Why a Ban Rather Than Regulation?
The decree published in September 2025 prohibits the manufacture, sale, import, possession, and use of oral nicotine products, excluding medical purposes (Service-public.fr, 2025).
The primary argument put forward by public authorities is to prevent the establishment of a new addictive market targeting young people.
The National Committee Against Smoking (CNCT) welcomed the decision, stating that it is “a crucial step in protecting young people.” The government has chosen a total ban rather than regulation, believing that the risk to minors justifies a strong measure.
Quality TO KNOW
Gums, patches, and lozenges sold in pharmacies remain authorized. They are regulated as medications and used in a therapeutic setting.
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