Smoke Free Sweden: Oral Nicotine Pouches Are Game-changer for Women in Sweden's Smoke-free Success

National Post

17-06-2025

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STRASBOURG, France — New research from Smoke Free Sweden reveals oral nicotine pouches are a game-changer in Sweden's path to becoming the world's first smoke-free nation – and are driving unprecedented success among women.
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The report, Power in a Pouch
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, launched today in Strasbourg, shows pouches have been a decisive catalyst in Sweden's public health success – especially for women, who are quitting smoking faster and more effectively than ever.
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Since their introduction in 2016, tobacco-free pouches have:
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Helped to accelerate the decline in smoking for both genders, with a nearly 200% rise in quit rates among women.
Outperformed all other quit aids; women ranked pouches nearly three times higher than vapes and 56% higher than gum.
Been identified by the research as the preferred quit aid for all ex-smokers for being clean, socially considerate and stigma-free.
Driven a 49% drop in smoking among women, who historically quit at lower rates than men.
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'The evidence is crystal clear: nicotine pouches are the most effective way to help smokers – especially women – quit,' said report co-author Dr. Marewa Glover, a behavioural scientist from New Zealand.
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'Health data and women's testimonials show pouches are safe, socially acceptable, and fit modern lifestyles. They're pragmatic, effective, and our best hope for a smoke-free future.'
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Sweden's harm reduction strategy stands in contrast to restrictive approaches elsewhere. Rather than banning safer products, Sweden embraced them – recognising they are far less harmful than cigarettes.
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Sweden's smoking rate is now 5.3%, just above the 5% smoke-free benchmark. Male lung cancer deaths are 61% below the EU average; total cancer deaths, 34% lower.
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Report co-author Dr. Delon Human warned that excessive regulation could jeopardise these gains, especially for women.
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'Misguided bans are blocking access to products that save lives,' said Dr. Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden and former Secretary-General of the World Medical Association.
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'That's not just bad policy – it's a public health disaster. Women deserve access to the quit aid that works best.'
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