ZYNs, lip pillows, sugies – whatever your term of choice, the internet has gone absolutely feral for these flavoured nicotine pouches.
Originally hailing from Sweden, ZYN has experienced a meteoric rise over the past couple of years, becoming something of a cultural phenomenon across the U.S.
Designed to sit snugly between your lip and gum, these discreet little pouches offer a smoke-free nicotine fix – and for many, they’ve replaced everything from cigarettes to vapes. But ZYN’s success isn’t just about the product. It’s about the vibe.
The memes are relentless. “Double deckers” (yes, that’s two pouches in at once) are now a badge of honour. And announcing you’re “popping a ZYN” has become the nicotine equivalent of shotgunning a beer – frat bro energy included.
But for all the hype, there’s been just as much concern.
Several countries have moved to ban or heavily restrict ZYNs and similar tobacco-free nicotine pouches, raising alarms about their appeal to younger audiences and the risk of developing nicotine dependence.
In America, though, it’s a different story. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently gave the green light for nicotine pouches like ZYNs to be marketed as a smoking cessation tool – a decision that’s stirred plenty of debate in both public health and online circles.
And into this swirling mix of controversy steps Jesse James West.
Never one to shy away from chaos in the name of content, the fitness YouTuber recently launched a wild experiment: testing out a range of banned or restricted stimulants before hitting the gym.
Here’s what went down.
Jesse James West Tries ZYNs
Jesse recruited fellow lifter Lean Beef Patty to join him on his maiden ZYN voyage – and things got spicy right out of the gate. The shopkeeper warned him up front: “You might throw up.”
Undeterred, the pair pressed on with their mission, locking and loading a 6mg pouch each – just in time for a big back day.
For reference, there’s around 10-12mg of nicotine in a standard cigarette, though the body only absorbs a portion of that.
It wasn’t long before Jesse started to feel the heat.
“No, dude, I’m getting dizzy,” he said. “I feel like my body is not doing well.”
Along with the head rush, Jesse noticed something else. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels and restricts oxygen flow – not ideal when you’re chasing a pump.
“The contractions are there – they’re good,” he added. “The only thing is, I’m not getting a pump whatsoever. My veins being constricted by the nicotine? Not a good combo.”
After nearly swallowing their ZYNs mid-set, the duo wrapped up their session feeling disoriented and unimpressed.
“I did try to finish the workout, but with the pouches preventing me from getting a good pump, it didn’t even feel worth it,” Jesse concluded.
“Plus, I just felt super disorientated. Should this remain banned? Absolutely.”
So, yeah. Maybe keep the ZYNs out of your gym bag.
