Politics Tobacco Prevention Switzerland calls for a ban on the sale of "Metatine"
The Swiss Working Group on Tobacco Prevention has called for an immediate ban on the sale of the chemical nicotine analog 6-methyl nicotine. The substance, also known as "metatine", could be even more addictive than conventional nicotine.
14.03.2025, 09:35
SDA
6-methylnicotine (6-MN) is already contained in many disposable e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, as detailed in a press release issued by the Swiss Association for Tobacco Prevention (AT) on Friday. It is therefore calling for a rapid sales ban before these products become widespread in Switzerland.
Unlike natural nicotine from the tobacco plant, 6-MN is synthesized in the laboratory and is designed in such a way that it imitates or even intensifies the psychoactive effects of nicotine. Initial indications suggest that 6-MN is even more addictive than nicotine and could have long-term effects on the attention, learning and memory of young people.
It is not only the lack of scientific evidence on the long-term health effects that is worrying, but also the "scandalous marketing strategies" with which products containing 6-MN are marketed. The products are advertised with misleading names such as "NoNic" and offered as a supposedly "nicotine-free" alternative, often with the aim of attracting young people as new customers. At the same time, they are easily available via online platforms, often without age verification.
