In April 2022, the FDA submitted rules to restrict the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of menthol-flavored cigarettes—15 years after the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act was passed in 2009 (FDA). This important act banned all flavored cigarettes, except for menthol, which has disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations, particularly Black Americans (FDA, 2022). Despite the potential health benefits of the ban, the new administration has decided to withdraw the rule (CNN, 2025).

So, what does this mean for health equity and the fight against menthol? While this may seem like a setback, the good news is: we can still make a difference. Advocacy remains one of the most powerful tools in protecting vulnerable communities from the tobacco industry's targeted marketing. Here's how you can help:

1. Join Local Coalitions

Groups like the New Mexico Allied Council on Tobacco are at the forefront of nicotine use prevention and health equity efforts. By joining these coalitions, you’ll stay up-to-date on statewide efforts, events, and legislative changes that impact our communities.

2. Volunteer with Public Health Organizations

Organizations like the No Minor Sale campaign, American Lung Association, and American Heart Association need your help to spread awareness about menthol as a health equity issue. Whether it’s advocating for policy changes, engaging local officials, or educating youth about the dangers of nicotine products, your involvement can make a huge difference.

To learn more about how you can help as a No Minor Sale adult volunteer, visit NoMinorSale.com/Take-Action.

References

FDA. (n.d). Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - An Overview. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/rules-regulations-and-guidance-related-tobacco-products/family-smoking-prevention-and-tobacco-control-act-overview

 FDA. (2022, April 8). FDA Proposes Rules Prohibiting Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars to Prevent Youth Initiation, Significantly Reduce Tobacco-Related Disease and Death. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-proposes-rules-prohibiting-menthol-cigarettes-and-flavored-cigars-prevent-youth-initiation 

 CNN. (2025, January 24). Trump administration withdraws proposed menthol ban. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-proposes-rules-prohibiting-menthol-cigarettes-and-flavored-cigars-prevent-youth-initiation

The recent surge in the popularity and demand for nicotine pouches has raised concerns among nicotine use prevention advocates across the country. As e-cigarette use begins to decline, the tobacco industry has shifted its marketing focus to nicotine pouches. First introduced to the U.S. market in 2014, these products have seen a significant rise in sales over the past five years (NikoKick, 2024). But what exactly are nicotine pouches, and why are they becoming a cause for concern?

What Are Nicotine Pouches?

Nicotine pouches are small, rectangular packets that contain 3 to 13 mg of synthetically or naturally derived nicotine. Each tin typically contains 15 to 20 pouches, which are available in a variety of flavors (Yale Medicine, 2024).

Why Are Nicotine Pouches Concerning?

One major concern is that products like Zyn, a leading brand, may appeal to young people and individuals who have never smoked or used tobacco. Zyn, like many other products aimed at youth, is available in a wide range of flavors. The pouches are discreetly placed between the upper lip and gum, making them difficult to detect once inserted. This ease of concealment may make them especially appealing to teens and young adults (Truth Initiative, 2024).

Additionally, nicotine is highly addictive, and its use can have serious consequences, especially for developing brains. It disrupts the formation of brain circuits that control attention, learning, and susceptibility to addiction, with long-term effects that can impact cognitive and emotional development (Medical News Today, 2021).

Why Has Zyn Gained Popularity?

• Social Media Influence: Zyn has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, where influencers, known as "Zynfluencers," promote the product through sponsored content.

• Smokeless and Spit-Free: Unlike traditional cigarettes or vapes, nicotine pouches like Zyn are smokeless, odorless, and spit-free. This makes them more convenient to use and easier to conceal.

• Alternative to Smoking or Vaping: Many young people have turned to nicotine pouches as an alternative to smoking or vaping, citing their ease of use and discretion (NPR, 2024).

• Tobacco Industry Marketing: With the decline in smoking and vaping, the tobacco industry is investing heavily in nicotine pouches to attract new users. Philip Morris International has committed over $800 million to expand Zyn production in response to growing demand (Truth Initiative, 2024). According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), nearly half a million students are currently using nicotine pouches, with Zyn being the most popular brand. This number is steadily increasing (FDA, 2024).

How Can We Protect Youth?

To prevent further youth exposure to these products, it is crucial to continue education on the dangers of nicotine use, particularly its impact on developing bodies and brains. Educating young people, community members, and policymakers is key to keeping these products out of the hands of minors.

To learn more about how you can help, visit NoMinorSale.com/Take-Action.

References

NicoKick. (2023, June 13). The History of Nicotine Pouches. NicoKick. Retrieved from https://nicokick.com/us/pouch-perfect/news/brief-history-of-nicotine-pouches

Yale Medicine. (2024, July 22). What Parents Should Know About Nicotine Pouches. Yale Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/nicotine-pouches

Truth Initiative. (2024, September 18). Philip Morris International to Invest Over $800 Million in Nicotine Pouches. Truth Initiative. Retrieved from https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/philip-morris-international-invest-over-800-million?utm_source=Truth+Initiative+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=1045ca3546-Newsletter_2024_09_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-1045ca3546-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Medical News Today. (2023, July 1). Effects of smoking on the brain. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/smoking-effects-on-the-brain 

NPR. (2024, August 21). What's Zyn, and why there was a shortage this summer. NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2024/08/21/nx-s1-5068090/what-is-zyn-nicotine-pouches-fda

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). 2024 Findings on Youth Tobacco Use. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco/results-annual-national-youth-tobacco-survey#2024%20Findings%20on%20Youth%20Tobacco%20Use

Starting this year, No Minor Sale has launched presentations in elementary and middle school classrooms to educate students about the dangers of nicotine products and their impact on the body and brain. These sessions also highlight the predatory marketing tactics employed by the tobacco industry to target youth and explain how No Minor Sale is working to combat these issues. Here are some key discussion points these presentations highlight:

Raising Awareness About the Dangers of Nicotine Use

Our presentations educate students on the serious risks associated with nicotine products. These substances contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact the lungs and heart by:

• Causing airway inflammation, which can lead to breathing difficulties and bronchitis.

• Damaging the alveoli, resulting in shortness of breath and potential emphysema (Stanford Medicine).

• Increasing blood pressure and heart rate, while narrowing arteries and affecting blood flow to the heart (American Heart Association).

Additionally, nicotine is highly addictive and can have profound effects on the developing brain:

• It hijacks the brain’s reward center, creating dependency.

• It disrupts the formation of brain circuits that control attention, learning, and susceptibility to addiction.

• It impairs cognitive function, affecting stress management, learning abilities, and self-control.

• It can enhance short-term memory, fine motor skills, and attention, making it harder for users to quit (Medical News Today, 2021).

Understanding Predatory Marketing Tactics

Our sessions also shed light on the aggressive marketing strategies employed by the tobacco industry to target young people. Annually, the industry spends an astonishing $8.6 billion on marketing—equivalent to $23.5 million each day. This immense budget significantly influences policymakers, with $859.4 million dedicated to e-cigarette promotion alone (Tobacco Free Kids, 2024). In New Mexico, $33.4 million is spent on marketing, leading to more than 25% of high school students—roughly 1 in 4—currently using e-cigarettes. In a classroom of 20 students, that means at least 5 could be using these harmful products (Tobacco Free Kids, 2024).

Building Visibility and Support

The most effective way to safeguard New Mexico's youth is to advocate for protective policies. This is why raising awareness and garnering support for our campaign is crucial. Support cards play a vital role in this effort and after each elementary or middle school presentation, we encourage students to sign a card to express their support. This not only amplifies our message but also empowers students to have a voice when we engage with legislators and key decision-makers. Their involvement is essential for driving meaningful change.

If you’re interested in supporting the No Minor Sale campaign and protecting youth from illegal nicotine product sales, please visit NoMinorSale.com/Take-Action or contact us at Info@NoMinorSale.com for more information. Together, we can make a difference!

References

Stanford University. (n.d.). You and me together: Vape-free curriculum - Lesson 2: Healthy body, healthy youth. Retrieved from https://med.stanford.edu/tobaccopreventiontoolkit/you-and-me-together-vape-free-curriculum/ms-lesson-2-healthy-body-healthy-youth.html

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How smoking and nicotine damage your body. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco/how-smoking-and-nicotine-damage-your-body

Medical News Today. (2021). Effects of smoking on the brain. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/smoking-effects-on-the-brain

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. (2024). The toll of tobacco in the U.S. Retrieved from https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/problem/toll-us/

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. (2024). The toll of tobacco in New Mexico. Retrieved from https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/problem/toll-us/new_mexico