Abstract
New research shows awareness and use of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) are increasing rapidly among adults in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) who smoke, despite the products currently being illegal to sell or supply. In surveys conducted one year apart, awareness of ONPs rose from 22% to 37%, while reported current use increased from 1% to 14%. The research found that some people who smoke are using ONPs to quit smoking, to become nicotine-free, or to reduce their cigarette consumption. However, others stopped using ONPs because they did not help them quit smoking or were not satisfying.
These findings are important because the Government has signalled plans to allow ONPs and other “reduced harm” nicotine products to be sold over the counter in NZ. While ONPs are likely to be less harmful than smoking, and could help some people quit, there is currently no definitive clinical trial evidence that they are safe, acceptable and effective to support a policy change. Greater vigilance and enforcement are needed to identify and penalise illegal ONP sales and promotions in NZ.