Nicotine: a core component of nicotine pouches and tobacco products. But what exactly is nicotine? In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of nicotine – what it is, its effects, and the different types you may encounter. Whether you're interested in understanding the science behind it or simply want to know how different types of nicotine can impact your body, this guide has you covered!

What is Nicotine?

Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical found in several plants, including tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. However, the highest levels of nicotine are found in the tobacco plant. When you use tobacco products like cigarettes, snus, or nicotine pouches, nicotine enters your body and quickly travels to your brain. There, it attaches to specific receptors, triggering the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical that creates a sense of pleasure and reward.

The Effects of Nicotine

Nicotine is a stimulant, which means it revs up your nervous system, giving you a boost of energy and increasing alertness. It can also enhance concentration and improve focus. However, like all things in life, nicotine can have both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, it can provide a temporary sense of relaxation, improved focus, and increased alertness. However, it's important to remember that nicotine is highly addictive, and overuse can result in a nicotine overdose.

Long-Term Effects of Nicotine

What are the effects of nicotine pouches after long-term use? Long-term nicotine use can have various effects on the body, including:

• Addiction and dependence.
• Potential impacts on heart health, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Potential impacts on oral health, causing gum disease and tooth loss in some cases.

Where Does Nicotine Come From?

Nicotine can come from two places: it is a natural chemical found in tobacco plants, or it can be synthesized in a lab.

What is Tobacco-Free Nicotine?

Tobacco-Free Nicotine (also known as TFN) is nicotine that is made in a lab – not extracted from the tobacco leaf – and is also known as synthetic nicotine. Due to its synthetic nature, TFN does not contain any part of a tobacco plant in the final product.

What is Synthetic Nicotine?

Synthetic nicotine is the same as TFN: it is a form of nicotine created in a laboratory instead of being extracted from tobacco plants. It is structurally and chemically identical to nicotine derived from tobacco, but it is not considered to come from tobacco because it doesn't come from the tobacco plant itself. Producing synthetic nicotine is often a longer and more expensive process compared to extracting nicotine from tobacco leaves, but it is a way to produce nicotine without tobacco.

Nicotine Salts vs. Freebase Nicotine

You may have come across the terms "nicotine salts" and "freebase nicotine" – but what is salt nicotine, and what is freebase nicotine? Both are forms of nicotine commonly used in vape products, but there are some major differences between the two:

• Freebase nicotine is the most commonly used form of nicotine. It is a liquid form of nicotine that has often been used in vapes. Freebase nicotine acts fast and provides a strong nicotine hit.
• Nicotine salts are used in newer vapes. They are formed by combining nicotine with an organic acid, offering a smoother experience compared to freebase nicotine.

The Future of Nicotine: Embracing Innovation for a Sustainable World

In a rapidly evolving world, innovation and technological advancements play a crucial role in addressing global challenges. Synthetic nicotine, produced in laboratories rather than from tobacco plants, has emerged as a potential game-changer that could impact the environment, public health, and the tobacco industry.

While most nicotine products currently derive nicotine from tobacco plants, offering safer alternatives to smokers is vital, considering the harmful effects of tobacco smoking. However, the production of synthetic nicotine has been relatively costly compared to plant-based nicotine, making it less common in products.

Tobacco cultivation has detrimental effects on the environment, contributing to high carbon emissions, deforestation, and pesticide use. These environmental concerns call for sustainable alternatives that minimize the tobacco industry's impact. By harnessing innovation, we can address pressing issues like climate change and resource scarcity. Synthetic nicotine, similar to the electrification of transport, has the potential to transform the tobacco industry and reduce its harmful effects on both people and the environment.