Ministers are being urged to close a loophole that allows “harmful and addictive” high-strength nicotine pouches to be used by children.
The small bags of nicotine powder, about the size of a piece of chewing gum, are tucked between the cheek and the gum where the powder dissolves and is absorbed into the bloodstream. They are not classed as tobacco-related products in the UK and can legally be sold to under-18s, as well as being promoted online and at music festivals.
They were originally designed as a nicotine-replacement product for people hoping to quit smoking, with many big tobacco companies developing their own ranges. However the pouches are increasingly marketed to young people as an alternative to vaping and “the new way to enjoy nicotine”.
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