San Diego, California – The Schmidt National Law Group has taken legal action against Philip Morris in the Southern District of California. The lawsuit alleges that Philip Morris, the manufacturer of Zyn, is intentionally targeting children and young adults with their flavored nicotine pouches named Zyn. The Managing Attorney at The Schmidt National Law Group, Martin Schmidt, emphasized the concern over these nicotine delivery systems being aimed at younger age groups, including middle school and high school students.
Although the purchase of the product is restricted to individuals aged 21 and above, Schmidt asserts that it remains easily accessible to those below the legal age limit. The class action lawsuit seeks damages from Philip Morris, and Schmidt advocates for stricter limitations on product accessibility.
The popularity of Zyn has surged in the last six months, with an increasing number of young adults and college students turning to this alternative. Mia Spencer, a San Diego State University student, notes the growing prevalence of Zyn among her friends and peers. Contrary to vaping, some individuals claim to use Zyn as a safer option in order to transition away from vaping. For example, Riley Godwin, a student at SDSU, states that they started using Zyn to wean off vaping.
Schmidt warns that the legal process for this case could be lengthy, potentially taking years to resolve. Despite reaching out to Philip Morris for comment on the lawsuit, NBC 7 has not received a response.
The lawsuit against Philip Morris underscores the gravity of the concerns surrounding the marketing and accessibility of flavored nicotine products to youth. By taking legal action, The Schmidt National Law Group aims to hold the manufacturer accountable for their alleged targeting of children and young adults with Zyn. This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of nicotine products and the need to protect vulnerable age groups from exposure and potential addiction.