You have to be at least 21 years old to buy ZYN in the US. In Canada, the minimum age limit for buying and using nicotine pouches is 18. While the age limit can vary, most countries agree that nicotine pouches should not be sold to anyone below 18.
Mounting evidence suggests that using nicotine pouches during adolescence causes long-term health risks. Governments around the world are realizing this and cracking down on nicotine use. Unfortunately, nicotine pouch usage has been increasing in the US.
We'll look at who can and can't buy ZYN pouches. For the short call, here's what you should know:
- Only adults above 21 can buy nicotine pouches in the US
- Only adults above 18 can buy nicotine pouches in Canada
- Only adults above 18 can buy nicotine pouches in most other countries
What Is the Legal Status of ZYN Nicotine Pouches?
ZYN nicotine pouches have been legal in the US since 16 January 2025. The distribution and control of these pouches stays under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although tobacco-free, the nicotine in these pouches is refined from tobacco, which is why they are considered a tobacco product.
These pouches are still considered a risky item because of their addictive nature. The FDA has expressed its concern over the rampant demand among youth. It was one of the reasons why the Senate passed a unanimous bill to increase the legal age to buy nicotine from 18 to 21 with the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
What is the Age Limit for Buying ZYNs in the US?
The legal age limit to buy ZYN nicotine products in most states of the US is 21 under the Federal Tobacco 21 Law. This age limit also applies to other nicotine products like VELO, LOOP, and Zafari. We've looked at the specific age limit for the legal sale of ZYNs across the different states:
| US State | State's Legal Age Limit to Buy ZYNs | Retailer Fine | Consumer Fine |
| California | 21+ (California Nicotine Product Law) | $200, $500, $1000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Offense | $75 or 30 Hours Community Service |
| Texas | 21+ (Texas Nicotine Product Law) | $2000 to $3000 Fine and 30 to 60 Days in Jail for M3 and M4 |
$100 to $500 and 30 or 60 Days in Jail for M3 and M4 |
| Florida | 21+ (Florida Nicotine Product Law) | $500 for M2 and CMPs | No Info |
| New York | 21+ (New York Nicotine Product Law) | $300 to $2500 Fine and License Suspension | No Info |
| Illinois | 21+ (Illinois Nicotine Product Law) | $200 to $600 Fine and/or License Suspension | None or Confiscation |
| Ohio | 21+ (Ohio Nicotine Product Law) | $2000 to $3000 Fine and 30 to 60 Days in Jail for M3 and M4 | $250 to $500 and 30 or 60 Days in Jail for M3 and M4 |
| Georgia | 21+ (Georgia Nicotine Product Law) | Varying Fines | Confiscation and/or Re-Education Program |
| Michigan | 21+ (Michigan Nicotine Product Law) | $100, $500, $2,500, $5000 and/or License Suspension and/or 5 Years Jail | M2 Charge and Equivalent Fine |
| North Carolina | 21+ (North Carolina Nicotine Product Law) | Up to $750 Fine and License Suspension | M2 Charger and Equivalent Fine |
| Washington | 21+ (Washington Nicotine Product Law) | $435 to $4000 Fine and License Suspension | Re-Education Program and Fine |
| Arizona | 21+ (Arizona Nicotine Product Law) | $1000 to $2500 Fine and License Suspension | $100+ Fine and 30 Hours of Service |
| Massachusetts | 21+ (Massachusetts Nicotine Product Law) | $1000 to $5000 Fines and License Suspension | Re-Education Program and/or Fine |
| Tennessee | 21+ (Tennessee Nicotine Product Law) | $500 to $1500 Fines and License Suspension | $10 to $50 and Up to 50 Hours of Community Service |
| Indiana | 21+ (Indiana Nicotine Product Law) | $50 to $500 Fines and License Suspension | Confiscation and Warning Letter |
| Missouri | 21+ (Missouri Nicotine Product Law) | $250 to $500 Fine and License Suspension | Confiscation of Products and Tobacco Education Program |
| Wisconsin | 21+ (Wisconsin Nicotine Product Law) | $500 to $10000 Fine and Jail Time 90 Days to 9 Months | Confiscation of Products |
| Colorado | 21+ (Colorado Nicotine Product Law) | $1000 to $15000 Fine and License Suspension | None |
| South Carolina | 21+ (South Carolina Nicotine Product Law) | $300 to $2000+ Fine and License Suspension | Re-Education, Suspension of Scholarship, University Admission Suspension |
| Minnesota | 21+ (Minnesota Nicotine Product Law) | $1000 to $5000 Fine and/or License Suspension | $100+ Fine and 30 Hours of Service |
| Oregon | 21+ (Oregon Nicotine Product Law) | $250 to $6250 and 1 Year in Prison | M2 and $130+ Fine |
| Kentucky | 21+ (Kentucky Nicotine Product Law) | $100 for 1st Offense, $500 for 2nd Offense | Confiscation of Products |
| Oklahoma | 21+ (Oklahoma Nicotine Product Law) | Fines and Jail Time | $100, $200 for Subsequent Confiscation |
| Utah | 21+ (Utah Nicotine Product Law) | $1000, $1500, $2000, Suspension of License | $60 Fine and Tobacco Education Program |
| Kansas | 21+ (Kansas Nicotine Product Law) | $200 to $1000 Fine | $25 Fine and Re-Education Program |
| Idaho | 21+ (Idaho Nicotine Product Law) | $100 for Personally Selling Nicotine Pouches | No Info |
| Montana | 18+ (Montana Nicotine Product Law) | Fines and License Suspension | $50 to $250 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Offense |
While the average age for buying ZYNs is 21, there are exceptions. For example, in Texas, people over the age of 18 and enrolled in the military can use tobacco products. Other than that, most people cannot use ZYN or other nicotine pouches under the age of 21.
Furthermore, ZYN is the only FDA-authorized nicotine pouch brand in the US. Currently, ZYN has 20 authorized products like ZYN Cool Mint in 3 and 6 mg strengths. Other nicotine brands are still not authorized, and their legality is pending a decision.
Age Laws for Nicotine Pouches in the US
In 2019, the Senate increased the minimum age for tobacco product consumption from 18 to 21. The bill was titled "Tobacco 21," and received overwhelming support from both sides of the government. This bill was used in addendum to three other bills:
- Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act: This bill was passed in 2009 and granted the FDA authority and control over the sales of tobacco products. It also gave the FDA control over the rules regarding the marketing and distribution of tobacco products in the US.
- Deeming Rule: It was passed in 2016 because a new form of nicotine, vapes, and e-cigs, had entered the market. The Deeming Rule gave the FDA control over the distribution, marketing, and sales of all products containing variations of natural nicotine.
- The Consolidated Appropriations Act: The 2022 law granted the FDA control over products containing synthetic nicotine. This bill was introduced primarily to control products like nicotine pouches because of their rampant growth.
Each state has its own individual bill regarding the sale and control of tobacco products. However, the basis of the individual laws is still based on the assessment of these 4 major legislations. The marketing laws also apply to promotional campaigns like ZYN Rewards to ensure compliance.
What is the Age Limit for Buying ZYNs in Canada?
In Canada, the legal age limit for buying any tobacco-related product is 18. In Canada, nicotine pouches are only used for nicotine replacement therapy under the direction of a pharmacist. Anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to use nicotine pouches for any reason.
Furthermore, Health Canada (counterpart for FDA) has authorized the sale of only Zonnic pouches. The nicotine concentration cannot exceed 4 mg per pouch. Only certain mint and menthol flavors and strength variations are allowed in Canada.
Age Laws for Nicotine Pouches in Canada
The Canadian Government initially introduced the Tobacco Product Information Regulations in 2000. It was aimed to increase awareness about tobacco products and their risks. In 2011, Health Canada's scope was expanded with the Tobacco Products Labelling Regulations (Cigarettes and Little Cigars).
In 2019, the scope of the bills was expanded with Tobacco Products Regulations (Plain and Standardized Appearance). All of these bills are tied to the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, which also controls the sales/marketing of nicotine sales, vapes, and e-cigs.
What is the Age Limit for Buying ZYNs in Sweden?
Sweden is the birthplace of nicotine pouches and smokeless tobacco products like Snus. Legally, anyone above the age of 18 can purchase and use nicotine pouches in Sweden. Sweden has been much more lax regarding their laws about nicotine pouches and products.
The same applies to Norway and Switzerland, two countries that allow the sale and purchase of most nicotine pouches and snus products. You can order products from your favorite brands online very easily with Snusdaddy.
Age Laws for Nicotine Pouches in Sweden
The main laws that govern the sale of tobacco in Sweden are the Act on Tobacco and Similar Products (SFS 2018:2088) and the Decree on Tobacco and Similar Products (SFS 2019:223). These two are based on the earlier iterations of the Tobacco Regulation (SFS 2001:312).
According to these laws, the product cannot be marketed or sold to anyone under the age of 18. If found in violation, the retailer may be fined and face jail time of up to 6 years.
Age Limits for ZYN Nicotine Pouches Worldwide
Here are various age limits for buying and selling nicotine pouches worldwide:
| Country | Legal Age | Law |
| Argentina | 18+ | Law 26.687 |
| Bangladesh | 18+ | Act No. 11 of 2005 (Smoking and Tobacco Products (Regulation) Act, 2005) |
| Brazil | 18+ | Law No. 8069 of 1990 |
| Brunei Darussalam | 18+ | (Tobacco Order 2005) |
| Costa Rica | 18+ | Legislative Decree No. 9028 |
| Czech Republic | 18+ | Act No. 110/1997 Coll., on Food and Tobacco Products, |
| Denmark | 18+ | The Tobacco Products etc. Act |
| Finland | 18+ | Medicines Act (395/1987) |
| Guam | 18+ | Guam Code Title 11, Division 1, Chapter 6 - Tobacco Control Act |
| Iceland | 18+ | Regulations No. 991/2022 and 992/2022) |
| India | 18+ | Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003 |
| Indonesia | 21+ | Law No. 7/2021 |
| Israel | 18+ | Law on Restriction on Advertisement and Marketing of Tobacco and Smoking Products 5743 1983 |
| Italy | 18+ | Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) |
| Japan | 20+ | Tobacco Business Act |
| Lithuania | 18+ | Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Related Products Control Law |
| Malaysia | 18+ (Prescription) | Malaysian Poisons Act 1952 (Revised 1989) |
A majority of countries have no rules and regulations regarding tobacco-derived and synthetic nicotine pouches. In countries like these, the consumption or sale of nicotine pouches is neither regulated nor banned. For example, countries like Uzbekistan, Iran, and Turkey have no laws regarding nicotine pouches.
Risks of Underage Nicotine Pouch Use
Nicotine is an addictive stimulant that can easily hook adolescent or teen users. This is the reason why most countries are concerned about their spread and popularity. Underage nicotine pouch users might be fined, their products confiscated, and enrolled in education programs for the possession and consumption of nicotine pouches.
Apart from legal repercussions, using ZYN nicotine pouches or other products also has long-term negative health effects. Here's a deeper dive into the effects of nicotine pouches on underage users' health.
1. Stunted Development of Pre-Frontal Cortex (PFC)
The PFC is responsible for executive functions and your attention span. Naturally, the PFC is the last part of the brain to mature. Nicotine reacts with the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the PFC, which alters your reward center and stunts growth.
Nicotine use in early adolescence and pre-adolescence can cause attention problems, a lack of motivation due to addiction, and a lack of functionality. It is more noticeable in people with OCD or other mental disorders,
2. Depression and Anxiety
Nicotine satisfaction and addiction can cause the exacerbation of mental disorders and depressive symptoms. Long-term use during the pre-adolescent age can cause problems like extreme depression. These symptoms manifest more readily when the users withdraw from nicotine.
This happens because nicotine is a stimulant and elevates the dopamine levels of your brain. The consistent hints keep your dopamine levels high and your brain adapts to those levels. When you stop using nicotine pouches, your dopamine levels return to their normal state.
However, the normal level is now at a lower level, according to your brain. Users feel restlessness, anxiety, and depression because of the new state. That's why you should never abuse nicotine pouches.
3. Sleep Apnea and Insomnia
While not noticeable at first, nicotine could have a major drawback on sleep. Users who are still developing can mess up their sleep routines like Vin Diesel destroys comedy. The stimulating nature of nicotine keeps you awake and forces your brain into an overdrive state.
When you try to sleep, your body keeps craving the nicotine kick. You get less deep sleep and even lesser satisfaction. You wake with low energy and feel more lethargic. So nicotine pouches like ZYN keep you awake and reduce the quality of rest.
Risks of Selling Nicotine Pouches to Underage People
The biggest risks of selling nicotine pouches to underage people are:
- Fines from $100 to $15000 according to the level of the offense.
- License Suspension for repeat offenders.
- Civil penalties for manufacturers and retailers.
- Jail Time for retail store owners.
- Individual sellers or distributors can get minor fines.
- Fines for failing to keep track of sales.
- Failing to identify an underage buyer and preventing the sale could face fines.
What Retailers Do To Keep To Prevent Underage Sales?
As a retailer, it is your responsibility to keep addictive products like nicotine pouches away from underage users.
According to FDA marketing regulations, the products cannot be marketed in any way to people under the age of 21. This keeps the attention of people under the age of 21.
After this, the retailer has to enact an age verification process to ensure the consumers are at least 21 years of age or older. To ensure this, retailers must check the ID of buyers who look younger than 21. Retailers can ask for an ID for any user who looks below 50.
To keep the process transparent, retailers have to keep a ledger of their sales. It helps the regulatory authorities track unauthorized transactions. Manufacturers have to print a disclaimer on the bottom of the cans and in their advertisements for awareness.
FAQs - Age Limit for ZYN Nicotine Pouches
Do you have to be 18 to buy Zyns?
According to Federal Law, people have to be at least 21 years old to buy ZYN nicotine pouches in the US. The age limit for buying ZYN in other countries can vary between 18. There are no countries that allow selling or buying ZYNs to anyone below the age of 18.
Who is ZYN intended for?
ZYN is intended for long-time snus or tobacco users. According to the FDA, ZYN nicotine pouches are for consumers 21 years of age or older who want to quit cigarettes, vapes, hookahs, or snus. ZYN pouches contain fewer toxins compared to cigarettes and tobacco.
Are all ZYN flavors available in the US?
No, only 10 ZYN flavors are legally available in the US. These include ZYN Smooth, Mint, and some other standard flavors. States like California ban the sales of flavored products more strictly.
Is ZYN legal in the US?
Yes, Philip Morris International and ZYN were authorized for marketing and sales in the US on January 16, 2025. According to the current PMTA, ZYN nicotine pouches offer 10 ZYN flavors and nicotine experiences. Each flavor is available in ZYN 3mg and ZYN 6mg variations.
Conclusion: The age Limit to Buy ZYNs is 21+
According to the Tobacco 21 Law, consumers have to be 21 years of age or older to buy ZYN nicotine pouches. The nicotine pouches are intended as a substitute for cigarettes and should not be used as a way to enjoy nicotine. Failing to prevent underage sales or consuming nicotine as an underage user can result in hefty fines and jail time.
Manufacturers are required to print disclaimers and check the quality of their affiliate retailers. While the laws on nicotine vary in countries, the world agrees that anyone below the age of 18 should not use nicotine. If you're 21+ and want tobacco-free nicotine pouches, order your pouches today with Snusdaddy.
