In the world of nicotine delivery systems, Zyn nicotine pouches were once the darling of conservatives. Tucker Carlson, a well-known conservative personality, was a huge fan of the product. He even went as far as to say that Zyn was a "powerful work enhancer" and a "male enhancer" during an interview with comedian Theo Von. However, things took a dramatic turn when Carlson made a joke about the product's alleged medicinal properties. Phillip Morris, the company that manufactures Zyn, didn't find the joke funny and declined Carlson's offer to partner with them.

This led to a stunning turnaround for Zyn, which had previously been a conservative favorite. Carlson, feeling betrayed, decided to launch his own brand of nicotine pouches, Alp. The conservative backlash against Zyn was swift, with many right-wing personalities calling for a boycott of the product.

But what's behind the sudden shift in Zyn's popularity? One reason could be the company's recent struggles with regulators. In January, Senator Chuck Schumer called for a federal crackdown on nicotine pouches, and the FDA has been issuing warning letters to retailers who sell the product to minors. The company has also faced scrutiny over its marketing practices, with many accusing it of targeting youth.

Meanwhile, Carlson's decision to launch Alp has been seen as a move to capitalize on the culture war. By positioning his product as a conservative alternative to Zyn, Carlson is tapping into a growing market of right-wing consumers who are looking for ways to express their political beliefs.

The Great Nicotine Shift: How a Joke Sparked a Culture War

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