Study Links Nicotine Pouches to Seizure Risk and Brain Damage

Inhaled CBD Shown to Reverse Nicotine-Induced Neurological Harms

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:33am

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A new study published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research provides the first experimental evidence that chronic oral nicotine pouch use significantly increases seizure susceptibility, disrupts the brain's glymphatic waste-clearance system, and triggers dangerous neuroinflammatory responses. However, the study also found that a single inhalation of broad-spectrum CBD reverses all nicotine-induced damage.

Why it matters

Nicotine pouches have surged in popularity as 'safer' smokeless alternatives to cigarettes, but this study challenges the perception of their neurological safety, particularly for individuals at elevated seizure risk such as epilepsy patients, chronic nicotine users, and young adults. The findings call for greater regulatory scrutiny of these rapidly growing products.

The details

The research, conducted by immunologist Dr. Babak Baban and neuroscientist Dr. Lei Phillip Wang, used commercially available ZYN nicotine pouches (Philip Morris International) to investigate the potential neurological risks. The study revealed a dangerous biphasic pattern - short-term exposure transiently reduced seizure severity, but chronic 7-day exposure nearly doubled seizure severity, impaired brain glymphatic function, elevated inflammatory markers, and amplified neuronal activation.

  • The study was published on March 27, 2026 in Nicotine and Tobacco Research (Oxford University Press).

The players

Dr. Babak Baban

An immunologist and co-founder of Medicinal Cannabis of Georgia LLC, a research company located at Augusta University's BioBusiness Incubator.

Dr. Lei Phillip Wang

A neuroscientist and co-founder of Medicinal Cannabis of Georgia LLC.

Medicinal Cannabis of Georgia LLC

A research-focused company dedicated to advancing cannabinoid-based therapeutics through rigorous scientific research and translational medicine, located at Augusta University's BioBusiness Incubator.

Philip Morris International

The manufacturer of the ZYN nicotine pouches used in the study.

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What they’re saying

“Our findings suggest the neurological risks of these products may be far more significant than currently appreciated.”

— Dr. Babak Baban, Immunologist and co-founder of Medicinal Cannabis of Georgia LLC

“When the glymphatic system is disrupted, it creates conditions that favor neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.”

— Dr. Lei Phillip Wang, Neuroscientist and co-founder of Medicinal Cannabis of Georgia LLC

“CBD isn't just blocking one pathway — it's rebalancing an entire disrupted neurobiological network.”

— Dr. Lei Phillip Wang, Neuroscientist and co-founder of Medicinal Cannabis of Georgia LLC

What’s next

The researchers call for urgent clinical investigation and greater regulatory scrutiny of nicotine pouches, which have rapidly grown in popularity.

The takeaway

This study challenges the perception of nicotine pouches as neurologically safe, particularly for individuals at elevated seizure risk. The findings highlight the need for further research and oversight of these emerging tobacco products.