The tobacco industry’s predatory and insidious marketing to youth seems to be endless, as the industry continues to introduce and promote products that appeal to and attract youth.1 And nicotine is at the center of Big Tobacco’s business plan to profit off young people by addicting them and making them customers for life.2
When a poison is addictive
Especially dangerous is the appeal of products such as vapes and oral nicotine pouches to teens and young adults, who don’t fully understand the health harms. Nicotine is toxic for kids and young adults with developing brains, as they are more at risk for both the addictiveness and harm of nicotine.3 And because brain development continues until about the age of 25, nicotine can have negative impacts well into young adulthood.4 Simply put, the effects of nicotine on the brain are poisonous for young people.56
- Nicotine changes the way connections form in the brain.7
- Nicotine can interfere with attention and learning.8
- Nicotine can increase anxiety, mood swings, and irritability.91011
Effects like these are especially bad for youth, who are still learning and developing life-long habits. While some of these behaviors can be just adolescent phases, the effects of nicotine on the teenage brain can be permanent.12 Nicotine use can lead to long-term effects on the ability to make decisions and can also leave teens with an increased risk of addiction to other substances.71415 All in all, nicotine and brain development are a dangerous combo.
“In addition to addiction, nicotine can increase anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and learning difficulties.”
Addictive nicotine salts
Even more concerning is the new kind of high-powered nicotine that many tobacco companies use in vapes and oral nicotine pouches called nicotine salts.
- Tobacco companies often use nicotine salts instead of regular nicotine.16
- Nicotine salts allow higher concentrations to be inhaled more easily, and absorbed more quickly, than regular nicotine.17
- Whether it’s regular nicotine or nicotine salts, addiction happens fast and can lead to further substance abuse.1819
Flavored tobacco products
Flavors added to tobacco products such as mango and strawberry mask the harsh taste of tobacco and the presence of nicotine, a chemical known to be as addictive as heroin.201
- In 2023, 89 percent of kids in California who vape used flavors.21
- Vapes come in kid-friendly flavors like Blue Razz, Pegasus Milk, and Menthol Freeze.
- While most flavored tobacco products are no longer allowed to be sold in retail locations, they are still available online.2223
- Flavoring chemicals can damage lungs.24
There is nothing good about nicotine. Click here for quit support for yourself or to help a young person quit vapes and other tobacco products.
