Peak medical body backs SA ban on nicotine pouches
The Australian Medical Association’s local branch believes nicotine pouches are shaping up to be the next battle for youth health.
The Australian Medical Association in South Australia (AMA SA) has issued a stern warning following the state government’s ban on nicotine pouches.
AMA SA President Dr John Williams said not enough is known about the risks.
“Nicotine pouches are unregulated. There’s no quality control, which means the levels of nicotine contained in certain pouches could be extremely high,” he said.
“We also don’t know enough about the other chemicals hidden in these pouches and the damage they might cause.”
Designed to be tucked under the lip, the pouches contain nicotine often alongside sweeteners and flavouring.
A recent survey by the Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change and Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences found 25 per cent of participants aged 16 – 39 had used nicotine pouches.
“For a long time now, AMA has been vocal about the risks of vaping. Nicotine pouches are shaping up as the next battle for youth health,” Dr Williams said.
“The South Australian Government’s decision to enforce tough penalties on the marketing and sale of nicotine pouches will help stop this dangerous trend before it’s too late to turn back the tide.”
South Australia is the first state to ban nicotine pouches under new legislation passed in 2024.
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From January 30, 2025 nicotine pouches are subject to the same controls as illicit tobacco and e-cigarette products and can attract fines of up to $1.5 million.
Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton said the state government will take further action if more products emerge on the market.
“We are going after the criminals who target our kids with these highly addictive products full of nasty chemicals,” he said.
