In a significant legal development, the City of Baltimore has filed a lawsuit against Philip Morris International (PMI) and its subsidiary, Swedish Match, alleging that the companies engaged in deceptive marketing practices to promote their Zyn nicotine pouches to minors. The lawsuit, filed on May 7, 2025, in Baltimore Circuit Court, claims that PMI violated the city's Consumer Protection Ordinance by targeting children and adolescents through flavored products and misleading advertising.

Allegations Detailed in the Lawsuit

The city's complaint asserts that PMI and Swedish Match utilized strategies reminiscent of past tobacco industry tactics to attract a younger demographic. Specifically, the lawsuit accuses the companies of:

• Employing flavored nicotine pouches to appeal to minors.
• Engaging in marketing that downplays the risks associated with nicotine use.
• Failing to implement adequate age-verification measures in sales and promotions.

The complaint references recent research indicating that nearly 2% of middle and high school students report using nicotine pouches, with over two-thirds of underage respondents identifying Zyn as their preferred brand.

Response from Philip Morris International

In response to the lawsuit, PMI stated that they had not yet been served with the complaint and, therefore, could not comment on the specifics. However, the company emphasized its commitment to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and stated that it would vigorously defend its interests.

Broader Context and Implications

This legal action is part of a broader trend of increased scrutiny on nicotine pouch products, particularly concerning their appeal to younger users. Health experts have raised concerns about the potential health risks of nicotine pouches, including addiction and adverse effects on adolescent brain development.

Baltimore's lawsuit follows similar legal actions against other companies in the nicotine industry. In 2020, the city sued Juul Labs Inc. for allegedly promoting e-cigarettes to minors, resulting in a settlement.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and research of the author and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical conditions.

Vaping products are not risk-free, and their use should be considered carefully, particularly for non-smokers. If you have health concerns related to nicotine use or smoking cessation, consult a medical professional or a licensed healthcare provider.

Additionally, regulations regarding vaping and e-liquid ingredients vary by country and region. Always ensure that you are purchasing compliant, regulated products from reputable sources and following local laws and guidelines.

Sources

• https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/sun-baltimore-sues-zyn-manufacturer-claiming-nicotine-pouch-targets-kids
• https://tobaccoreporter.com/2025/05/08/baltimore-sues-pmi-for-peddling-zyn-to-kids/
• https://thedailyrecord.com/2025/05/08/baltimore-zyn-lawsuit-nicotine-marketing-minors/
• https://www.law360.com/corporate/articles/2336940/baltimore-claims-big-tobacco-playbook-hooked-kids-on-zyn