Nicotine pouches became legally available for sale in Estonia in 2019. Since then, their sales and use have steadily increased. This is also confirmed by the Tax and Customs Board.
According to the Tax and Customs Board, there are now seven companies in Estonia that produce nicotine pouches. In addition, there is one more company waiting to receive a production license.
Nikitina, an official from the Tax and Customs Board, says that inspections are increasingly finding banned nicotine pouches. These pouches can be dangerous because their composition is unknown and they can harm people's health.
Anneli Sammel, a health expert, says that the use of nicotine pouches is not yet very widespread. Young men aged 16–24 use nicotine pouches the most. One in five late-teenage boys uses nicotine pouches.
Sammel added that nicotine pouches can cause rapid addiction. This can be a lifelong addiction that is difficult to overcome.
Nicotine pouches can also lead to health problems, such as heart attacks or strokes. They also damage oral health, making gums pale and sensitive.
Nicotine pouches are convenient to use because they can be placed under the upper lip and are not visible to others. Cattre Hein, a teacher at Rocca al Mare School, says that parents' awareness of nicotine pouches is low. Children say that their parents warn them but do not explain why the pouches are harmful.