What Are Nicotine Pouches, & How Do They Work?

Are you tired of the smoke, the smell, and the occasional side-eye from strangers that comes with cigarettes? If you’re like many, you might be wondering if nicotine pouches are an alternative way to get your fix. More and more people are turning to them as a cleaner, more convenient alternative to traditional tobacco products.

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Nicotine pouches are discreet and don’t involve inhaling battery acid or anything of the sort into your lungs. But before you make the switch, let’s dig into what they are, how they are, and what the research actually says about their safety.

What Are Nicotine Pouches?

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Nicotine pouches are small, white packets that you place between your gum and lip. They contain nicotine, different flavors, and even plant-based fibers without the smoke or tobacco leaves. 

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While the pouch is in your mouth, your body takes in nicotine through the lining of your mouth, so it’s a steady hit without needing to light up or chew anything. We like to think of them as flavor-infused tea bags, but for your mouth.

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The best part? Nicotine pouches come in different flavors, strengths, and brands. So if you’re trying to quit smoking or just looking to try something new, we guarantee there’s a pouch for you.

Nicotine Pouches vs. Patches

Both nicotine pouches and patches deliver nicotine without the smoke, but they do it in different ways. 

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Patches are usually worn on the skin and release a slow, steady dose of nicotine throughout the day. People love them because they’re hands-off and long-lasting. One downside, though, is that they’re not as flexible. You can’t really dial up your dose during a craving, unlike pouches.

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With a nicotine pouch, once you have a craving and pop one in your mouth, you’ll usually feel the effects within minutes. They work faster than patches and tend to be more satisfying for those pesky cravings.

Nicotine Pouches vs. Gum

Nicotine gum is another popular way to manage withdrawal symptoms. Just like the patches, gums come with their own quirks. The deal with nicotine gum is that you have to “chew and park” it in your cheek. It’s nothing like popping a minty fresh stick of Extra. For many, it gives a peppery sensation and may cause soreness around the jaw.

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On the other hand, nicotine pouches skip the whole chewing thing entirely. They simply sit under your lip and release nicotine more subtly without the spicy kick or need to chomp for relief.

How Do Nicotine Pouches Work?

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Once a nicotine pouch is tucked under your lip, the nicotine absorbs into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes in your mouth. You don’t have to swallow or light anything up.

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Most pouches release gradually up to an hour, so you get a steady stream of relief from nicotine withdrawal symptoms like irritability, brain fog, and that all-too-familiar itch.

Potential Health Effects of Using Nicotine Pouches

Let’s get one thing straight: nicotine pouches aren’t risk-free. While they don’t expose you to smoke or tar, they still have nicotine, regardless, which is a highly addictive substance.

Possible Benefits:

• No smoke means fewer toxins. Without combustion, you avoid harmful chemicals, like tar and carcinogens, commonly found in cigarettes, cigars, and vapes.
• It’s so discreet you’ll forget it’s there. You can use them almost anywhere without secondhand smoke or the lingering smell.
• Available in various strengths and flavors. Nicotine pouches are so convenient because they make it easier for you to control your nicotine intake and find a product that suits your style.

Potential Concerns:

• Nicotine is still addictive. It can increase your heart rate, raise blood pressure, and lead to dependency.
• Oral health risks. Long-term use of nicotine pouches may cause gum irritation, mouth sores, or tooth damage over time.
• Limited long-term research. Despite their fame, pouches are still relatively new. We don’t yet know all the long-term effects, and they can affect everyone differently.

Are nicotine pouches harmful?

The short answer is that they’re less harmful than smoking, but it doesn’t mean they’re harmless. 

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Nicotine of any kind can have some negative effects on your body, especially if there’s dependence involved. Especially for young adults, whose brains are still developing, any nicotine can be more harmful than effective. Pregnant people should also avoid nicotine because it may harm their baby’s development in the womb.

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Compared to cigarettes or chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches eliminate your exposure to tar, smoke, and many known carcinogens. But at the end of the day, they still contain nicotine, which is addictive and may potentially impact your cardiovascular system and oral health in the long run. Our suggestion? Use with caution, and stay informed.

Can Nicotine Pouches Help You Stop Smoking?

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There is growing evidence that nicotine pouches might help people quit smoking, but results are mixed. Some users find them quite helpful for managing cravings in high-risk situations, particularly stressful moments or social events. Others use nicotine pouches as a bridge while tapering off cigarettes or other tobacco products.

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It’s also important to note that the FDA has not approved nicotine pouches as official smoking cessation aids, unlike patches or gum. So while they might help some people reduce or quit smoking, the science still needs to catch up.

How to Use Nicotine Pouches Like a Pro

New to the pouch game? Here are a few simple tips to get the most out of them:

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• Start low and go slow. Especially if you’re sensitive to nicotine or trying to cut back, it’s best to slowly work your way up.
• Don’t chew or swallow them. Trust us–pouches aren’t gum. They’re there to sit between your gum and lip.
• Keep it in for up to an hour. Most pouches typically last 30-60 minutes. Once the flavor fades, it’s time to put a new one in.
• Dispose responsibly. We suggest wrapping it in tissue and tossing it in the trash. Never flush your pouches.
• Store them properly. Keep your pouches in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness.

Shop Nicotine Pouches from Top Brands at Green Dragon

Whether you’re trying to quit nicotine, cut back, or simply trying to find a cleaner way to get your fix, we’re here to help. At Green Dragon, we carry a wide range of nicotine pouches from trusted brands to help you stay in control without the smoke.

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Don’t forget, we offer free consultations if you want advice or simply want to talk nicotine. Contact us today!