The Spanish government has proposed regulation to nicotine pouches that effectively amounts to a de facto ban and negatively impacts their acceptability among smokers, as a realistic alternative to cigarettes. The proposals include limiting nicotine to 0.99 mg per pouch and banning all flavors except tobacco.
A new poll commissioned by the Tholos Foundation and conducted by the renowned international polling firm Dynata reveals strong opposition among consumers in Spain to these restrictions, and highlights their negative consequences for public health:
- Two-thirds of nicotine pouch users in Spain have chosen this option for health-related reasons, primarily to reduce or quit smoking.
- The opposition to a de facto ban is overwhelming, with 84% of nicotine pouch users against it.
- The role of flavors in nicotine pouches is particularly significant, as 90% of nicotine pouch users consider flavors a key factor in their decision to use nicotine pouches.
- Fruit and menthol flavors are more frequently chosen by nicotine pouch users to switch and stay away from cigarettes.
The research also suggests other unintended consequences. A third of consumers would turn to cross-border purchases or alternative online sources if the ban were enforced, while another third would revert to smoking. Only 6% indicated they would quit nicotine altogether.
As a result, two-thirds of those who had an opinion stated that they would not vote for politicians who support further restrictions on nicotine pouches.
The full data from the poll may be downloaded here: