Wacky Big Tobacky Blowing More than Smoke (5/29/25)

Much like the popularity of methylene blue, the building popularity of nicotine pouches has produced a sort of health sub-culture within the larger context of a generally unhealthy population. Whereas methylene blue is relatively new to the public, nicotine has been around, and much more popular, for a lot longer. Sure, methylene blue has certain medical benefits, namely as a supplement for those with methemoglobinemia, though too much of the substance can cause the same condition. Though it goes with anything - quantity, quality, long term use, additional additives, and health context matter. The same goes for nicotine pouches. Nicotine, especially the non-smoked kind, can benefit cognition, memory, and concentration to a small degree, though delivery mechanisms and quality matter greatly.  Could it be that these recent health potions are nothing more than a commodifying and monetizing not only of health but of the healthcare revolution?The bottom line is this: Big Tobacco lied, obfuscated and killed for decades. By the 1980s and 1990s, studies, high profile cases, and lawsuits put some final nails in their coffin. It was around this time that these companies began to diversify heavily. Phillip Morris purchased General Foods, Kraft, and Miller Brewing in the 80s, and a little later Nabisco in 2000. R.J. Reynolds had purchased the same company in the 80s. They also had control of Pacific Hawaiian products since the 60s. These acquisitions allowed tobacco companies to apply cigarette marketing tactics, like targeting children and minorities, and to develop "hyper-palatable" foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium, influencing the U.S. food system for decades.Vaping was then introduced in the early 2000s and within a few years Big Tobacco was diversifying again. In 2014 MarkTen e-cigarettes were introduced by Altria (Phillip Morris) and Vuse was introduced by R.J. Reynolds (BAT). Soon after Altria introduced ON!, British American Tobacco (R.J. Reynolds) launched VELO, and Phillip Morris acquired ZYN. When vaping began to develop a bad reputation for some, the industry convinced many that cigarettes were the safer choice, while others kept vaping for the same reason.Although these companies had marketed nicotine gum and patches for decades, the market grew rapidly as people tried to stop smoking in general. But what about the market for non-smokers? Well, that’s where ON!, ZYN, and VELO come in. Instead of chewing tobacco, cigarettes, patches or gum, pouches were for all non-smokers and promoted as having health benefits. By the time these pouches were largely under the control of Big Tobacco there began a campaign of promotion on social media, primarily TikTok, for flavored nicotine pouches - as with flavored cigarettes and vapes. Now they have been picked up by conservatives and those leaning in the direction of MAHA. It all makes sense, too, when considering what the HHS and NIH have done so far under RFK Jr. Although certain vaccines are longer advised for healthy kids and pregnant women, the