Zynsurrection: GOP Pushes Back Against Schumer’s Call for Crackdown on Nicotine Pouches

Congressional Republicans are rallying behind Zyn, a leading brand of flavored oral nicotine pouches, following Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s call for federal agencies to investigate its marketing and health effects. Schumer accused Zyn of targeting youth via social media, calling it “a pouch packed with problems.”

Republicans quickly pushed back. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene labeled the controversy a “Zynsurrection,” while Rep. Richard Hudson shared a photo holding a Zyn can, declaring, “Come and take it!” Rep. Mike Waltz defended Zyn as a less harmful option used by service members and first responders to stay alert.

Zyn, produced by Swedish Match and owned by Philip Morris International (PMI), has seen U.S. sales surge over 65% year-over-year as of Q3 2023. PMI stated it fully complies with federal regulations and explicitly prohibits all influencer and social media advertising, focusing instead on preventing underage access. The latest CDC and FDA data show underage use of oral nicotine pouches remains exceptionally low.