ZYN nicotine pouches have been a hot topic in 2024, with what began as TikTok coverage to its involvement in the political battle and surprising manufacturing shortages, ZYN has seen its fair share of publicity. These stories increased its coverage across all news outlets in the US, spiking people's interest and sprouting more and more questions. Here, we dive into the nicotine pouch brand's involvement in US politics as it’s election year and many cultural battles between the two parties will be and have been fought, with ZYN and nicotine pouches being one. So, let's see what’s going on.
Why Was ZYN in the News?
ZYN isn’t the only brand of nicotine pouches. However, this brand hasn’t only seen an increase within the nicotine pouch community but among those who don’t use this type of product, too. This is due to its increased news coverage across major US outlets like NBC. The increased media coverage only spiked the interest of Americans, leading to the product's effects, use, and control coming into the spotlight. But before we get into that, what events caused ZYN to feature on American news?
A Surge in Coverage on TikTok - “The Upper Decky”
Those not on TikTok may be looking at the term “upper decky zynnies” and “upper decky zyns” for the first time but those on the social media platform should have seen it before, especially pouch users. However, if not, the terms upper decky, upper decky lip pillow, and upper decky zynnies, are all names used to describe ZYN pouches. It was started in 2022 by TikToker @cheddy222 and has been adopted by other users, called “zynfluencers”, and blown up, with users having tens of thousands of followers and their videos gaining over 3 million likes, leading to many news articles reporting on the matter.
Tucker Carlson’s Biggest ZYN 6 Spearmint Can
We gave Tucker Carlson the worlds largest zyn container pic.twitter.com/3c2jAH1Bnk
— Nelk Boys (@nelkboys) December 21, 2023
One video that gained a lot of attention was posted by the Nelk Boys, where the YouTube group made, and gifted, Tucker Carlson the biggest ZYN 6 Spearmint can. Since being posted, this video has had 2.6 million views on the group's X account, highlighting the brand's popularity and increased media coverage.
The ZYN Shortage
In another incident, in May 2024, it was reported by Bloomberg, that there was a US ZYN shortage. Many customers could not get their favorite ZYN and had to opt for alternatives. Some states were affected more than others with New Jersey, New York, and Florida being mentioned. There were many questions asked about this, for reasons why and the CEO for Philip Morris International did mention that there was “tension on the supply chain”. The added tension may have been due to its increased popularity, and it's down to the manufacturers to adjust their processes accordingly.
What’s ZYN Got to Do With Politics?
The presidential campaigns are well underway in America, with the election at the start of November 2024. There are many talking points, where Democrats and Republicans take opposing views, splitting voters. Some of these include abortion, energy, immigration, health care, and so on. Another emerging point with politicians and senators commenting is ZYN and nicotine pouches. These political discussions have also received news coverage and may be a potential debating point within the presidential campaigns.
What Was Said About Them?
It was reported around the start of March by the U.S. News and The Guardian, that two political figures in particular, Tucker Carlson and Chuck Schumer, commented on the brand.
Tucker Carlson, a political commentator once considered a Republican Powerhouse, has commented, “ZYN is not a sin” when defending the tobacco-free product. Other right-wing politicians have called for a “zynsurrection” and the Republican Congressman Richard Hudson, enticed the opposition with a picture of him in camouflage, holding ZYN with the caption, “Come and take it!”.
On the other hand, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, has called for the regulation of the brand, stating it’s, “A pouch packed with problems”. The Senator has also warned parents because of the product's popularity on social media platforms and its use as a marketing device, whether intentional or not.
Why Are Politicians Commenting About Them?
Many reasons can be postulated why politicians are commenting on nicotine pouches. Some of these include:
- Their potential to be a Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
- Its implications for human health.
- Their popularity amongst Americans.
- The opportunity to feature on news outlets and grab headlines.
Could ZYN Affect This Year's Election?
With the comments above and the popularity of ZYN across the US, it can easily become one of many talking points in this year's election. With its recent shortage covered in the news and regular TikTok content uploads, interest will still be there for the voters, meaning politicians may use this product to propel the party if it means votes can be won and the tables can be turned. Hypothetically speaking that is.
What Are The Two Party’s Stances on Nicotine Pouches and ZYNs?
The comments made by Tucker Carlson, Richard Hudson, and Chuck Schumer can be used to estimate how the Republicans and Democrats will tackle, or not, nicotine pouches and how they view them. The current sentiment each party has shown on the issue implies:
- Republicans will support the American's freedom for nicotine usage.
- Democrats will look to introduce further restrictions on the nicotine product.
It’s impossible to say how each party will act when and if in power, and whether ZYN's popularity and regulation will even be looked at is another question.
Does This Mean Tighter Regulations and Bans?
First, this is postulation and what is said here is just hypothetical. However, the restriction around them depends on who wins the election. If it's a Republican leader, tighter regulation is less likely. But if the Democrats can win this election, we may see the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tighten surrounding laws on nicotine pouches. But it’s hard to suggest whether that be its marketing, packaging requirements, or strengths and flavor profiles. What do you think will happen?
