VELO pouches are safe compared to cigarettes, vapes, and other smokeless tobacco products. They're a great alternative for people who want to quit smoking or using nicotine. However, VELO nicotine pouches contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive chemical.
Prolonged abuse of any oral nicotine product can cause mental health problems, sleep apnea, and an extreme state of anxiety. As a VELO user and retailer, I believe you should know and understand the full risk of these products before trying them.
Risk Profile of VELO Nicotine Pouches
VELO nicotine pouches do not contain contain tobacco, which makes them a good nicotine replacement option. However, these pouches aren't entirely risk free because of their pure nicotine concentration. Here's a short risk profile of VELO nicotine pouches to help you understand their full risks:
Risk | VELO | Cigarettes | Vapes | Hookahs |
Oral Cancer | No | Yes | Maybe | Yes |
Lung Cancer | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Skin Cancer | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Liver Disease | Maybe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
CVD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
EVALI | No | No | Yes | No |
Gangrene | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Hair Loss | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sleep Problems | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Gum Recession | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Eye Disease | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Anxiety | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Depression | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Appetite Loss | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bad Breath | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: We've used the term "Maybe" for diseases that haven't been yet linked with the specific product. These are links that are stll being investigated.
Short-Term Side Effects of VELO
VELO nicotine pouches are tobacco-free alternatives to cigarettes that act as stimulants. They increase your cognition, alertness, and heart rate, which can be risky for people with high blood pressure. Other short term side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Perspiration
Nicotine pouches like VELO and ZYN also keep you awake at night. While it might not seem that serious, nicotine pouches are notorious for disturbing sleep patterns. Alternatively, VELO nicotine pouches can cause gum irritation and a slight tingling sensation.
Menthol flavored VELO pouches can trigger the TRPM8 receptor. It causes a perceived feeling of thirst and dehydration. Using VELO pouches that are too strong can also cause the same dehydrating feeling, headaches, and dizziness.
Long-Term Side Effects of VELO
Prolonged abuse of nicotine pouches has more risks than benefits. Oral nicotine pouches can alter the dopamine levels of your body, making the artificial highs the new normal. When you stop using nicotine pouches, it can cause depression, anxiety, and restlessness.
Nicotine pouches also have a vasoconstrictor effect which can lead to CVD. While the correlation is very low, there is a minor link between thinning arteries and nicotine pouches. The effect is more pronounced in smokers and vape users.
Other long-term side effects of VELO pouches include:
- Gum disease
- Dry mouth
- Hypertension
- Severe addiction
Most of these side-effects manifest because of uncontrolled use. The easiest way to avoid them is to only use 8 to 10 pouches per day (max). Don't use strong nicotine pouches and consider VELO only as a smoking cessation tool.
Is VELO Bad for Your Heart? (Cardiovascular Risks)
VELO nicotine pouches can restrict blood flow by thinning your arteries. The vasoconstriction makes VELO bad for your heart. It can cause hypertension, small cases of CVD, blood pressure issues, and shortness of breath.
However, these pouches are safer alternatives to cigarettes. Tobacco smoke can cause severe damage to your arteries, increases Carbon Monoxide levels, and reduces blood supply to vital organs.
Can VELO Pouches Cause Chest Pain?
No, VELO pouches cannot cause chest pain. These pouches have effects on your heart health, but can not cause physical chest pains. Chest pain is usually related to underlying medical conditions like Angina, Acid Reflux, Mitral Valve Prolapse, or serious heart conditions.
Is VELO Bad for Your Teeth and Gums? (Dental Risks)
VELO is bad for gums and teeth when you don't have good oral hygiene. Nicotine can have adverse effect on gums, but you can control that with brushing and mouthwash. Furthermore, the effects are minimal when you use VELO pouches conservatively.
Does VELO Stain Teeth?
VELO pouches do not stain teeth, because they contain all-white nicotine. The pouches are made with plant-based fibers and almost zero colorings. They fit comfortably under your upper lip and do not cause discoloration.
How to Take Care of Oral Health While Using VELO?
Here are 6 easy things you can do to take care of your oral health while using VELO:
- Brush two times per day to avoid bacteria and plaque build up.
- Alternate between the side of your gums when using pouches consecutively.
- Place the pouches between your upper lip and gum to avoid drip.
- Rinse your mouth after using a VELO pouch to flush your buds.
- Use nicotine pouches according to your tolerance.
- Keep the pouches away from the sides of your mouth.
Note: Learning how to use VELO pouches properly can offset most oral risks.
Is VELO Bad for Your Liver? (Toxin Risks)
According to a report published in the NCBI, VELO is not correlated with liver abnormalities. The literature around nicotine induced liver diseases is linked to cigarettes. Tobacco smoke contains 7000 chemicals, which makes your liver work overtime.
Smoke based nicotine has been linked with Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). VELO has not been linked with any liver problems, however, more research might find some links.
Does VELO Affect Digestion? (Gut Risks)
VELO reduces your appetite and negatively impacts your digestion. Nicotine speeds up your metabolism and might cause diarrhea and vomiting. The appetite suppression makes you feel bloated, especially after meals.
Can VELO Pouches Cause Constipation?
Yes, VELO nicotine pouches may cause constipation when you're addicted. Nicotine reacts with the receptors in the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) which controls bowel movements. Constant use of VELO can rewire your PNS, which alters your urge to poop.
When you stop using the pouches, even temporarily, your body loses that urge. You feel constipated, bloated, and very uneasy.
How to Improve Digestion While Using VELO?
Some of the things that nicotine consumers can do to improve digestion are:
- Drink water: You can't digest food properly when dehydrated and pouches will make you feel that way.
- Eat Fiber Rich Foods: According to the John Hopkins School of Medicine fiber rich foods like apple, whole grains, and pears improve digestion.
- Exercise: With the right exercise, you can reduce stress, improve gut motility, and digest food faster.
Can VELO Nicotine Pouches Cause Cancer? (Cancer Risks)
No, VELO nicotine pouches cannot cause cancer. These pouches do not contain any of the toxins in cigarettes or other forms of nicotine. While, the research on VELO pouches is limited, currently VELO and ZYN have zero carcinogens.
The only concern about VELO pouches is the use of Acetaldehyde, which is considered toxic by the state of California. However, this chemical is widely used flavor, and is only found in trace amounts in VELO pouches. Acetaldehyde is naturally found in various fruits and vegetables.
Can VELO Pouches Cause Oral Cancer?
No, VELO nicotine pouches do not cause oral cancer. While research is limited on the topic, the current literature states that VELO cannot cause oral cancer because it lacks the toxins. Super heated toxins in a cigarette, vape, or hookah are the culprits for oral cancer.
VELO is a completely smoke-free products that doesn't harm the tissues of your mouth. Furthermore, VELO doesn't contain any toxins, which could trigger leukoplakia or any other precursors to oral cancer.
Can VELO Pouches Cause Lung Cancer?
No, VELO nicotine pouches cannot cause lung cancer. These pouches don't contain tobacco leaf and other smoke-induced toxins. There are no links between cancer and tobacco-free nicotine pouches like VELO.
Are VELO Nicotine Pouches Bad for Mental Health? (Mental Risks)
Yes, VELO pouches can be bad for mental health when used uncontrollably. Nicotine is a stimulant that can positively affect your short-term brain state. You feel more active, motivated, and invigorated, thanks to a boost in dopamine levels.
Constant and uncontrolled use of nicotine products can rewire your neural pathways. You get hooked to the sensation and your brain craves more everytime. Every day turns into a segment, where you're controlled by your urge to use nicotine.
Can VELO Nicotine Pouches Cause Depression?
VELO pouches can cause depression and anxiety, especially during the withdrawal phase. VELO nicotine pouches act as stimulants by triggering your Parasympathetic Nervous System. However, these pouches artificially inflate your dopamine levels.
Consistent use can force your brain to acclimate to the new highs, so even normal levels feel like a slump. Your brain thinks it's in a state of depression and stress, which makes you feel more anxious.
VELO Usage Concerns
There are certain risks associated with using pouches, like accidental swallows, allergies, and dehydration. We'll help you understand these risks in detail.
VELO Nicotine Pouch Accidental Swallows
Swallowing one or more VELO pouches can cause a nicotine overdose. VELO pouches do not decompose and are that much harder to digest. The large amount of nicotine, fiber, and other VELO ingredients can cause indigestion, palpitations, nausea, and vomiting.
VELO Nicotine Pouch Allergies
VELO pouches use different artificial flavorings, some of which might trigger allergies. For example, VELO Rich Elaichi is a cardamom flavored pouch that could trigger certain people. That's why we always recommend checking the ingredient list and flavor profile before using a nicotine pouch.
VELO Nicotine Pouch Dehydration
VELO contains copious amounts of nicotine, which raises adrenaline and metabolism. You might feel parched after using VELO. This effect amplifies ten fold after using mint or menthol based pouches.
Menthol triggers the TRPM8 receptors which can cause dry mouth and dehydration. That's why some some VELO flavors and nicotine strengths make you feel more thirsty.
Risks of VELO Pouches vs Other Nicotine Products
VELO nicotine pouches are safer than cigarettes, vapes, hookahs, and snus. They are not official NRTs like nicotine gum, but are often use as one. Let's look at the risks compared to other nicotine products.
Are VELO Pouches Safer than Cigarettes?
Yes, VELO pouches are safer than cigarettes. Cigarettes contain 7000 chemicals and about 69 carcinogens. The heated smoke causes inflammation and deeper toxin penetration, which can cause lung, oral, and blood cancer.
VELO pouches are smoke free and do not contain any of these toxins. These pouches are intended as substitutes for cigarettes, vapes, and hookahs.
Are VELO Nicotine Pouches Safer than Vapes?
Yes, VELO is safer than vapes because the former doen't produce any smoke. Vapes have microplastics and propylene glycol which can cause internal damage. Research also linked vapes to lung injuries, which were titled EVALI.
Smokeless tobacco and nicotine pouches are both safer than vapes because of their smoke-free format. Vapes can also cause nicotine overdose and addiction more easily.
Are VELO Pouches Safer than Snus?
VELO pouches are safer than snus because they do not contain tobacco. Snus contains pure pasteurized tobacco which speeds up infections, gum damage, and gut microbe disruption. VELO contains pharamaceutical grade nicotine, which is safer than snus.
VELO's nicotine is made by washing and refining tobacco countless times. The final all-white nicotine doesn't have any traces of tobacco or its toxins.
Are VELO Pouches Authorized by the FDA?
No, VELO pouches are not authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VELO submitted an application for approving sales by late 2020, and their application has been under consideration. While the pouches are still allowed for on-market sales, they aren't allowed to advertise new flavors.
In January 2025, the FDA approved ZYN sales and marketing. It renewed hope for the approval of VELO nicotine pouches. However, till the current date, the FDA has not showed any indication of authorizing VELO.
VELO and Medical Procedure Risks
You should never use nicotine pouches when undergoing a medical procedure or surgery. VELO pouches can alter your heart rate, dopamine perception, and healing patterns, which are make or break factors in a medical procedure.
You can only use VELO close or prior to a medical procedure if the doctor allows you. Let's look at some common medical procedures and appropriate VELO usage.
1. Are VELO Pouches Safe During Pregnancy?
VELO nicotine pouches and any other nicotine product is not safe for use during a pregnancy. Nicotine use and addiction can pass down to the child, which hinders them for a lifetime.
Alternatively, nicotine restricts the blood and nutrition supply to a fetus, which can cause malnutrition and complications. You should not use tobacco or any other nicotine product during pregnancy.
2. Are VELO Pouches Safe Before Surgery?
No, VELO nicotine pouches are not safe before a surgery. Nicotine products can alter your healing rate, digestion, metabolism, and sleep. Using these products could lead to complications and a slower healing rate.
The only viable reason for using VELO pouches before a surgery is to quit other froms of oral nicotine. For example, you can use VELO to quit vaping, which is more harmful for surgeries and operations.
3. Can You Use VELO Pouches After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Yes, you can use VELO pouches after a wisdom tooth extraction. However, you have to wait for the oral wounds to heal first. Nicotine can increase heart rate and reduce blood flow to your gums, which can reopen gum wounds.
You should consult your dentist and ask him about the recovery timeline. Resume nicotine pouch usage only when the doctor gives you the green signal.
FAQs - Are VELO Nicotine Pouches Safe?
1. Are VELO pouches safer than ZYN?
No, VELO pouches are comparable to ZYN in terms of health effects. VELO and ZYN are both tobacco-free pouches with low toxin content, which makes them ideal for former smokers. The only major difference is that ZYN is FDA authorized while VELO has yet to be approved for sale.
2. Do VELO pouches damage gums?
Yes, VELO pouches can damage gums because of nicotine and menthol. These pouches have copious amounts of nicotine which can reduce the blood flow to your gums. Alternatively, prolonged and consistent use of VELO on the same side of the gums can cause gum recession.
3. Is VELO more harmful than cigarettes?
No, VELO is less harmful than cigarettes, because of the smoke, tobacco, toxin, and spit-free format. These pouhces contain less toxins, oxidants, and do not harm your arteries as much. While VELO still has risks like addiction and vasoconstrictory effects, they are still better than cigarettes.
4. Is VELO halal or haram?
VELO isn't haram, but it is makrooh or frowned upon. According to the scriptures of muslim, any harmful product that affects your lifestyle or mentality is makrooh (frowned upon) or forbidden. Since VELO is an addictive product, it is disliked but not haram.
5. Is VELO a drug?
No, VELO is not a drug because it doesn't contain any of the qualifying factors. VELO is considered a low-tier stimulant and a nicotine replacement therapy option. These pouches are very addictive, but do not alter your lifestyle as quickly as drugs.
Bottom Line
VELO pouches aren't completely safe because they contain nicotine. These pouches have more than 3 milligrams of nicotine per pouch. The nicotine strength is more than enough to cause addiction when used uncontrollably.
Other negative health effects include mood changes, digestive problems, and sleep issues. However, nicotine pouches are undoubtedly better than cigarettes, vapes, and snus. These pouches are intended as alternatives to harmful nicotine products like e-cigarettes and tobacco.
Furthermore, you can mitigate the negative health effects of nicotine pouches by sticking to low strength products. We recommend sticking to the best nicotine pouches for beginners. Order these low nicotine level pouches today at the best prices for the safest experience.