"I'm hoping the increased education makes a difference," said Nicholas Gallo, 26, of Deer Park, who called his generation already "well-informed" while expressing support for the federal proposals.

The FDA has given marketing authorization to Zyn nicotine pouches. That doesn't necessarily mean they're safe to use, especially for young people, and experts say there's little evidence that they help adults quit smoking.

First recommended by a Trump-appointed FDA leader, multiple administrations have collaborated to snuff out this issue that costs the country $600 billion annually.

Zeller credited Gottlieb for advocating for the nicotine regulation within the Trump White House, after the Obama administration had fallen short. Obama officials had promised Zeller they would back rules to curb nicotine and menthol.

Nancy desperately needed a hip replacement, but there was a problem: Her doctor said he wouldn’t perform the procedure unless she quit smoking. Though she was a little taken aback, Nancy buckled

Federal health officials on Thursday backed the public health benefits of nicotine pouches, authorizing Philip Morris International’s Zyn to help adult smokers cut back or quit cigarettes.

The FDA is proposing a limit on the amount of nicotine in cigarettes and certain other combustible tobacco products to reduce their addictive properties.

The FDA's proposed rule would slash nicotine levels in cigarettes, most cigars and other combustible tobacco products, but not vapes, hookahs or Zyn.

In a statement, the FDA said it has authorized the marketing and sale of Philip Morris International’s Zyn nicotine pouches. The pouches, which are placed between the lip and gum, are tobacco-free but contain nicotine. They come in different strengths and a variety of flavors such as citrus, coffee, peppermint and berry.

After reviewing the scientific evidence, the agency has decided 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products can legally be sold in the US.

The proposal in the waning days of the Biden administration leaves it up to President-elect Donald Trump to finalize the effort — or scrap it.

Nicotine pouches are a newer class of smokeless products that don’t contain tobacco. Zyn became the first FDA-authorized brand on Jan. 16.