Tucker Carlson launches nicotine pouches to compete with Zyn

JACK AYLMER:

Conservative firebrand Tucker Carlson has a new business venture sure to illicit the fuel of the right, lib tears.

He’s not trying to reinvigorate the TV dinner market, taking a page from his step-mom’s grandfather. Instead Carlson is getting into the growing and highly lucrative nicotine pouch game.

If you’re asking how and why a tv turned social media broadcaster got into the tobacco industry it all started with an appearance on comedian Theo von’s podcast last year where he talked about his love for Zyn, the most popular pouches out there..

TUCKER CARLSON:

“The truth is, Zyn is a powerful work enhancer, and also a male enhancer. If you know what I mean.”

JACK AYLMER:

Shortly after that, Carleson’s team reportedly reached out to Zyn maker Phillip Morris to form a partnership. As the tobacco giant declined they said…

“While we understand that these may be Mr. Carlson’s views, or made in jest, these statements lack a scientific foundation. Given Mr. Carlson’s popularity and reach, these statements could promote a misunderstanding and misuse of our products.”

In fact, while they have a vested interest in the anti-nicotine movement, the Truth initiative points to research showing nicotine can result in Erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive and infertility.

But anyway, according to the Wall Street Journal, the response infuriated Carleson and prompted the new venture.

TUCKER CARLSON:

“I’m going through a period of transition in my life with nicotine pouches. I’ve used a certain brand. I’m embarrassed to say it. It’s made by a huge company, huge donors to Kamala Harris. I’m not going to use that brand anymore. I think it’s fine. It’s good for your girlfriend or whatever. But I don’t think men should use that brand. It starts with a Z. And we’re launching our own brand today called Alp.”

JACK AYLMER:

Philip Morris International told both the Journal and USA Today that it doesn’t contribute to presidential campaigns.

But the subsidiary that does oversee Zyn does make contributions to federal campaigns. And nearly 60% of those have gone to Republicans according to OpenSecrets.

It’s still no surprise Carlson is getting into the game considering the pouches have become somewhat of a staple of young conservative men.

And Alp will offer more nicotine to users while Zyn only comes in 3 and 6 milligrams, it will also feature a 9 milligram pouch.

And with the popularity of a product with nicotine, it has caught the eye of lawmakers and regulators alike that fear it may attract young people and get them addicted to the drug.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY:
“Pouch packed with problems. High levels of nicotine. So today, I’m delivering a warning to parents because these nicotine pouches seem to lock their sites on young kids, teenagers and even lower. And then use the social media to hook em.”

JACK AYLMER:

Research found a very small amount of middle and high school students are pouch users. But, Zyn pouches have become so popular there was a shortage over the summer.