Teen vaping is decreasing, but now nicotine pouches are gaining ground.

The number of young children sickened after getting their hands on nicotine products like pouches and vape e-liquids has skyrocketed in recent years.

The tax on pouches, including brands such as Zyn, is expected to generate $12 million per year for the state. But the company that makes Zyn argues that taxing pouches will drive Rhode Islanders back to burning tobacco to get their nicotine fix, and cigarettes are much worse for your health than pouches.

Nicotine pouches do not pose the same potential harms—like lung disease—as e-cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products. As with any substance, nicotine pouch users should exercise ...