EMMA PIRHALA / NEWS EDITOR

The rising prevalence of Zyns, a small pouch containing nicotine, is visible throughout the University of San Diego as the discarded “lip pillows” are found strewn about campus. Zyns contain varying amounts of nicotine and are meant to be placed between the upper lip and gum for discrete use. 

Zyn, a subsidiary of tobacco company, Philip Morris International, was initially launched in Sweden. However, their success in Europe brought the pouches over to the States. Zyns can be found on the floors or walls of campus buildings  despite USD’s sustainability measures. USD first-year Kalisi Taumohaapai detailed her disgust with the littering of Zyns. 

“That’s gross. I think it’s grosser than gum because your shoe gets stuck in it, and it was in someone’s mouth,” Taumohaapai said. “And, I just don’t support Zyn. I just think tobacco is something your body doesn’t need, especially on a college campus. Like please, go study.”

Like most nicotine-based products, Zyns produce a sense of relaxation and calmness for users. 

Dr. Gabriel Fernandez, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at USD Counseling Center, explained the short-term effects of Zyn. 

“Zyns are basically nicotine in a powder form, delivered in a non-traditional manner [placed under the upper lip],” Fernandez said. “When nicotine is introduced to our body, it activates certain receptors in our brain that are responsible for cognition and pleasure. For the short term, it has pro-cognitive and mentally alerting actions. It also directly increases a chemical in our brain called dopamine, resulting in a feeling of pleasure or being rewarded.”

Despite the perceived benefits of Zynning, the pouches have a history of long-term health effects. Fernandez explained the possible impacts of Zyns in the long run. 

“Eventually, with enough nicotine, these receptors become desensitized,” Fernandez said. “The problem begins when these receptors resensitize… If an individual continues to re-introduce nicotine due to these perceived beneficial effects, the brain adapts by upregulating the number of nicotinic receptors due to constant desensitization caused by nicotine. With more of these receptors, the individual’s craving for more nicotine is amplified. Consequently, it will take a higher dose to achieve a similar effect as when it was first used.”

California legislators attempted to combat the rise of Zyns  and  other nicotine products through a tax of 52.92%. In addition, flavored pouches are banned in California due to children and young adults being attracted to the different tastes. Wintergreen and Cool Mint flavors are offered in California, but buyers have to pay the increased price of $15 compared to $5 in other states. Yet, Zyns maintain their popularity.

Zyns are also playing a role in the presidential election as the GOP advocates for less regulation on the product, whereas Democrats support greater control.  As governor of Minnesota, Kamala Harris’s running mate Tim Walz passed a 95% tax on Zyns and similar nicotine products. Former President Donald Trump’s campaign defended Zynning in a post on it’s TikTok @teamtrump which detailed the Democratic Party’s efforts to regulate Zyns.

“Save our ZYN,” the caption stated.

USD senior Brandon Griffin agreed that the Zyn tax should be lower. 

“I believe that tax is pretty high, as someone who uses them regularly, but I understand that I have a more biased view on the issue. In relation to other nicotine products — from what I know — Zyns are healthier for you than other nicotine products. In comparison to something like cigarettes or vaping which destroy your lungs, I believe Zyns are much better for our bodies. So, while the use of nicotine is extremely addictive, I believe that the tax shouldn’t be as high on Zyns as they are better than the other options.”

USD first-year Haley Marsh explained her opinion on the politicization of Zyn. 

“I think [Trump is] trying to appeal to younger voters and it’s kind of gross because I feel like a lot of [nicotine products] are marketed towards teenagers and young adults. I feel like [Trump] is trying to attract that audience,” Marsh stated.

The popularity of Zyns spread quickly throughout TikTok with influencers using the pouches. A viral TikTok by @jesslieloch showed a Zyn user who redeemed a Blackstone Grill via Zyn Rewards points.

Frequent “Zynners” have the ability to capitalize on their sustained use through Zyn Rewards. Each container purchased gives 15 points which can be utilized to redeem the coveted prizes. The online rewards program includes prizes such as a Blackstone Grill, Apple AirPods and a Dyson AirWrap. A Samsung TV, one of the more expensive prizes, is worth 10,800 points, or approximately 720 containers. A container of unflavored Zyns costs $5.49 in California, prior to the 52.92% tax levied on nicotine products. The grand total to redeem the TV comes out to $3,952.80, before taxes, spent by Zynning.

USD first-year Olivia Humphrey commented on her view of Zyn Rewards. 

“It’s honestly concerning that they’re putting out these big prizes,” Humphrey detailed. “I, myself, would love a Dyson AirWrap but I’m not going to start Zynning to get it. I’m concerned that they’re really trying to push nicotine on us – that’s crazy.” 

While distasteful to some students, other USD students participate in Zynning as a means of stress relief or for fun. Zyn’s popularity does not appear to be slowing down any time in the near future. The “zyn-demic” continues as students across campus and the country turn to Zyns for recreational use.

Used Zyns can be found littered around campus. Emma Pirhala/ The USD Vista