METATIN : A NEW MOLECULE IN VAPING, SHOULD WE BE WORRIED ?

For some weeks now, a strange word has been stirring up the press and social networks: metatine. Presented in some media as three times more addictive than nicotine, this molecule intrigues as much as it worries. But what do we really know about this substance ? And above all, is there any cause for alarm ? We take a look.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Metatin is a synthetic derivative of nicotine, developed in the laboratory.

• It is used mainly in the United States to circumvent regulations on nicotine products of plant origin.

• It is banned in France and the European Union.

• Claims that it is dangerous or addictive are not based on any human clinical studies to date.

• None of the products sold by Sweetch contain metatin.

WHAT IS METATIN ?

Metatine, also known as 6-methyl-nicotine, is a chemical analogue of nicotine.

This means that it is a molecule synthesised in the laboratory, very similar to natural nicotine, but modified by the addition of a methyl group in position 6.

This apparently minor modification can have major consequences for the way the molecule functions in the body.

Unlike traditional nicotine, extracted from the tobacco plant, metatine is entirely synthetic. It is sometimes misleadingly referred to as "nicotine without tobacco" or "NoNic".

WHY IS IT USED ?

In the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) closely regulates products containing nicotine derived from tobacco. To avoid these constraints, some manufacturers have started to use unregulated synthetic forms, such as metatine. For the time being, this allows them to sell their products without going through the authorisation processes required for conventional nicotine.

As a result, puffs containing metatine are sometimes sold under the "NoNic" (nicotine-free) label, even though the molecule acts on the brain in a similar way to nicotine. This confusion can mislead consumers, particularly those in the process of weaning themselves off nicotine.

IS IT REALLY MORE ADDICTIVE THAN NICOTINE ?

This is THE question that is being debated.

The main concern about metatine is its addictive potential. Several media outlets have reported that it is three times more addictive than nicotine, but this claim needs to be seriously qualified.

A 1998 study carried out on rats showed that nicotine derivatives modified in position 6 could have a stronger affinity with nicotine receptors, resulting in a more rapid or intense effect.

However, these results have never been confirmed:

• These results have never been confirmed in humans.

• There are no clinical studies showing that metatine is more addictive than nicotine.

Addiction depends on many factors: speed of action, duration of effect, mode of consumption and psychological context. Caution is therefore called for, but to date there is no solid scientific evidence to suggest that metatine is more addictive than nicotine.

LEGALITY OF METATIN

In France and the EU

Metatin is de facto banned in the European Union. It has never been notified or authorised under the TPD (Tobacco Products Directive). No manufacturer can therefore legally sell a product containing this substance.

In Switzerland

Switzerland's new Tobacco Products Act (LPTab), which came into force in October 2024, regulates nicotine levels, but has not yet reached a clear decision on synthetic analogues such as metatine.

National Councillor Christophe Clivaz recently called on the Federal Council to introduce a precautionary ban.

AROMA KING AT THE HEART OF THE CONTROVERSY

Origin of the manufacturer and its products

Aroma King belongs to the Symetricus Z.o.o group, founded in 2012 in Poland. Originally specialising in natural aromas and flavours, the group is headed by a former chemist and flavourist.

As of 2019, Aroma King has extended its scope to disposable vaping products, becoming one of the three most widely distributed brands in Europe. The group has production sites in Poland, the Czech Republic and China, covering the entire supply chain from design to packaging.

Despite this apparent professionalism, it was precisely an Aroma King product that sparked off the controversy.

"NoNic" products

The controversy erupted when tests carried out in Australia and the UK revealed the presence of 6-methyl-nicotine in puff models labelled "NoNic" , i.e. supposedly nicotine-free.

This practice has been interpreted as regulatory circumvention, misleading consumers about the true nature of the product.

The CNCT takes Aroma King to court

France's Comité National Contre le Tabagisme (CNCT) has filed a lawsuit against Aroma King. The grounds for the complaint include misleading product composition, prohibited advertising and encouraging minors to use tobacco products.

The CNCT accuses the brand of playing on legal loopholes by offering potentially addictive products in a harmless guise.

Aroma King in Switzerland

In Switzerland, Aroma King puffs have been popular for years and are sold in kiosks, supermarkets and some e-cigarette shops.

These retailers remain within the law as long as the composition of the products does not contain any banned substances, but the issue of metatin raises a debate about commercial responsibility.

NEVER AT SWEETCH

At Sweetch, our mission is clear: to offer only reliable, legal products that respect your health and help you to give up smoking. That's why products containing substances such as metatin have no place in our range.

1. A deliberately limited and controlled range

Unlike other shops that multiply their references indiscriminately, Sweetch makes a rigorous selection. Every product, every brand, every manufacturer is thoroughly checked, both in terms of components and manufacturing processes.

2. Selection based on trust and transparency

We only work with trusted partners, identified and met in person. For example, it took us a long time to include puffs in our range. We waited to find a partner who ticked all the boxes in terms of quality, safety, legality and ethics.

That's why we chose Evapify, a Swiss company based in Geneva.

3. A close partnership with Evapify

We have :

• Met the team on several occasions.

• Visited their premises and warehouses.

• Established a relationship of transparency and constant collaboration.

As a result, we can guarantee our customers full traceability of the products we offer. No dubious ingredients, no regulatory shortcuts, no marketing tricks.

SWEETCH: A RESPONSIBLE CHOICE FOR DEMANDING VAPERS

As a committed player in the vape sector, Sweetch refuses to compromise. The market is flooded with low-cost products with obscure compositions and unclear origins.

At Sweetch, we believe in vaping that's :

• Transparent: you know what you're vaping.

• Ethical: no dubious marketing or misleading advertising.

• Regulated: all our products comply with Swiss and European legislation.

• Respectful: of your health, your choice and your trust.

Metatin is much more than just a media buzz. It is the symbol of an industry that sometimes seeks to circumvent the law to the detriment of consumers.

At Sweetch, we believe that vaping is an effective weaning tool, provided it ismanaged seriously, respectfully and responsibly .

We will continue to offer you quality, controlled, European vape wherever possible, so that vaping remains what it should always be: an alternative to cigarettes, not a new addiction.

Sweetch, vape as it should be.

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