What is Metatine (Alternative Nicotine)?
In Feb 2021, we witnessed the emergence of synthetic nicotine disposable vapes, which were considered to be a tobacco-free vape exempted from tobacco-related laws but finally regulated by the FDA till April 2022. This time, here comes a new nicotine alternative - "Metatine'.
It comes with the latest disposable vape, Spree Bar, marketed as a “PMTA exempt” electronic cigarette system by Charlie’s Holdings Inc. Is Metatine a true alternative to nicotine? In this post, we'll comprehensively explore and clarify this from every angle.
Quick Look:
What is Metatine?
Metatine is a synthetic molecule designed to function similarly to nicotine but without being derived from tobacco. It's not regulated by the FDA like tobacco products since it doesn't contain nicotine or come from tobacco. Unlike nicotine, which is an alkaloid found in the tobacco plant, Metatine is chemically synthesized in laboratories. The exact chemical composition of Metatine is proprietary, but it is engineered to activate the same neural pathways as nicotine.
One of the products featuring Metatine is the Spree bar 6000 disposable vape, designed to give users a similar satisfaction to nicotine but without using any tobacco-derived substances. Thus, the Metatine-containing vapes are marketed as a new nicotine-like alternative, providing adult users with an experience similar to traditional nicotine-disposable vapes.
Is Metatine Addictive?
“Metatine may be addictive, may be acutely toxic and, like nicotine, should be used with caution. Vape devices that contain Metatine are potentially addictive. Use with caution.”
According to the official statement on Metatine's website, it's recognized that Metatine may have addictive properties and should be used cautiously. Similar to nicotine, Metatine is intended as an alternative specifically for adult tobacco users and vapers. Currently, Metatine vape products are sold only to individuals over 21, a caution clearly indicated on the product packaging. Just like vapes containing nicotine, it is advised to keep Metatine vapes out of reach of minors, pregnant women, and pets to ensure safety for all.
Metatine Vs. Nicotine: A Detailed Comparison
Chemical Structure:
Nicotine(Chemical Formula: C10H14N2): A naturally occurring alkaloid found in tobacco plants.
Metatine (Chemical Formula: C11H16N2): A synthetically derived molecule that is structurally similar but chemically different from nicotine and other vaping alkaloids.
Source:
Nicotine: Derived from tobacco leaves or made in the lab.
Metatine: Created in a laboratory setting, not derived from tobacco.
Intended Use:
Nicotine: Primarily used in products for smoking or vaping and in nicotine replacement therapies.
Metatine: Used in vaping products as an alternative to nicotine.
Regulatory Status:
Nicotine: Falls under the regulatory purview of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products in the U.S., subject to the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
Metatine: It is not regulated as a tobacco product since it does not contain nicotine or come from tobacco; it is not subject to FDA tobacco requirements.
Addictive Potential:
Nicotine: Known for its high addictive potential, impacting the brain’s reward system.
Metatine: Potentially addictive like nicotine.
Market Availability:
Nicotine: Widely available in various forms, including nicotine-containing vape juice, prefilled single-use e-cigarettes, gums, nicotine bases, nicotine shots, patches and nicotine addictives.
Metatine: Found in specific vape products, such as Spree bar.
User Experience:
Nicotine: Known for providing a distinct 'throat hit' and satisfaction in smokers and vapers.
Metatine: Designed to mimic the satisfaction and enjoyment of nicotine, though user experiences may vary.
Age Restrictions:
Nicotine: Sale is typically restricted to adults( over 21 years old).
Metatine: Sales are restricted to individuals over 21, as product packaging indicates.
Metatine Vape: Spree Bar 6000 (Use 10% OFF Code:OnceandDone10)
A Metatine vape, exemplified by the Spree Bar 6000 Puffs disposable starter pack, is a type of vaping device that uses Metatine instead of traditional nicotine. This Spree Bar 6000 showcases several features that are characteristic of Metatine vapes:
Use of Metatine: Metatine is specifically prefilled to provide a similar level of satisfaction and experience as nicotine, but it's structurally different from the nicotine derived from tobacco plants.
Disposable and Compact: This disposable device emphasizes ease of use and convenience.
Extended Use: With a 600mAh rechargeable battery via a Type-C port, the Spree Bar pod can be used more than 800 times, with each charge lasting between 12 to 24 hours.
High Puff Count: The Spree device features a pre-filled pod with 12mL of e-liquid, capable of delivering up to 6,000 puffs. There is no difference from nicotine vapes; the company is committed to providing a long-lasting vaping experience.
User-Friendly Design: The compact Spree vape pen is designed with user convenience in mind. It offer a handy form factor and matching mouthpiece for inhalation.
Vaping Experience: You can expect an experience akin to traditional nicotine vaping devices. The aim is to deliver a familiar 'throat hit' and satisfaction that adult smokers and vapers seek, but through a synthetic alternative.
Is Metatine Vape a PMTA Exempt from the FDA?
Metatine vapes like the SPREE BAR starter kit, which use Metatine (a synthetic alternative to nicotine), may have a different regulatory status compared to traditional nicotine-containing vapes when it comes to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Pre-Market Tobacco Application (PMTA) requirements.
Here's a breakdown of the situation:
PMTA Background: The PMTA is a process required by the FDA for any new tobacco product that seeks market authorization in the United States. This process includes a detailed review to assess various aspects, including how the product might affect public health, especially the youth.
Nicotine Vapes and PMTA: Vapes containing nicotine, which is derived from tobacco, are subject to these PMTA requirements. Manufacturers must prove their products adhere to specific public health safety standards.
Metatine Vapes: Since Metatine is not derived from tobacco and does not contain nicotine, products containing Metatine, such as the Spree Bar Disposable, may not fall under the same regulatory category as tobacco products. This could potentially exempt them from the PMTA process required for tobacco-derived products.
Regulatory Landscape: The regulatory landscape for synthetic nicotine and related compounds like Metatine is evolving. Hence, manufacturers and consumers must keep up-to-date with the FDA's ever-evolving regulations and guidelines.
FDA Stance: The FDA has been adapting its regulatory approach to keep pace with the evolving market of tobacco and nicotine products, including synthetic alternatives. Especially when the supplier claims its product as a PMTA-exempt vape, it inevitably may attract the attention of the FDA. Therefore, the exact regulatory requirements for Metatine vapes could be subject to change based on the FDA’s ongoing assessments and policy updates.
Would it Be Better to Go for a Metatine Vape Rather than a Nicotine One?
Both Metatine and nicotine have addictive properties and unknown long-term health effects. No vaping product is completely risk-free. If you're looking for an alternative to nicotine, Metatine might be an option. However, if your goal is nicotine cessation, neither option might be ideal. Of course, vaping is an alternative to tobacco cigarettes, you can pick metatine vapes or nicotine vapes by considering their puff counts, hand feeling, throat hit, flavors, and functions, like any other disposable vape.
FAQs about Metatine
Is Metatine a substitute for nicotine?
Yes, Metatine is made to be a nicotine replacement. It's created in a lab to feel similar to nicotine, but it doesn't come from tobacco like nicotine does.
What is Metatine in Vapes?
Metatine is what's used in some vapes, like the SPREE BAR, instead of nicotine. It's there to give vapers a similar experience to what they'd get from vapes that have nicotine. Basically, Metatine is a man-made ingredient that tries to give the same kind of satisfaction as nicotine, but it's not actually nicotine.
Are there any nicotine alternatives besides Metatine?
Yes, there are several alternatives to nicotine besides Metatine. These alternatives are often used in smoking cessation products or in vaping devices as substitutes for traditional nicotine. Some of the notable nicotine alternatives include:
Synthetic Nicotine: Apart from Metatine, other types of synthetic nicotine are created in laboratories. These are chemically identical to natural nicotine but are not derived from tobacco.
Nicotine Patches, Gums, and Lozenges: These are traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) that provide nicotine without the harmful effects of smoking. They are used primarily by people trying to quit smoking.
Non-Nicotine Prescription Medications: Certain medications like varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban) are prescribed to help with nicotine withdrawal and to reduce the urge to smoke.
