A recent investigation by CBC News has revealed that banned nicotine pouches, available in appealing flavors and high concentrations, are still being sold in convenience stores nationwide, despite new federal restrictions aimed at reducing accessibility and deterring young consumers. In August 2024, the federal government restricted the sale of nicotine pouches to pharmacies due to concerns raised by health organizations regarding their appeal to non-smokers and youth.
Nicotine pouches are tightly regulated by Health Canada as natural health products for individuals aged 18 and above, intended to aid in smoking cessation. Zonnic, a brand owned by Imperial Tobacco Canada, is the sole legally permitted brand for sale in pharmacies. The company is authorized to sell only four-milligram pouches in “mint or menthol” flavors to discourage appeal to minors, as stipulated by the regulations.
Despite these regulations, CBC News reporters discovered that various corner stores in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax were selling what appeared to be Zyn, a popular nicotine pouch brand in the U.S. produced by Philip Morris International. These stores offered packs in fruity flavors with doses as high as 15 milligrams. Additionally, multiple online distributors, claiming to be based in Canada, were offering unauthorized brands in different flavors and high concentrations, promising quick and discreet delivery.
Experts, such as David Hammond, a professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Public Health Sciences, emphasize the concern that the marketing of nicotine pouches, especially with appealing flavors, can attract young consumers. Research indicates that Canadian youth are increasingly using nicotine pouches, with approximately five percent having experimented with them, equivalent to around 100,000 individuals.
Although CBC News could not verify the authenticity of the pouches purchased at convenience stores, Philip Morris International’s local subsidiary, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, stated that the “products at issue are being sold by unauthorized parties.” The company collaborates with law enforcement to combat illicit trade and supports government initiatives in this regard.
While Zonnic is prohibited from using youth-attractive advertising or packaging, other brands continue to circulate pernicious ads on platforms like TikTok, promoting their products as discreet and user-friendly. Nicotine pouches, which do not contain tobacco or carcinogenic substances found in cigarette smoke, are highly addictive and toxic, particularly for young individuals, according to Health Canada.
Dr. Nicholas Chadi, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent and addiction medicine at Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre in Montreal, warns about the risks of nicotine exposure in young, developing brains. He notes that nicotine pouches, due to their discreet nature and high nicotine content, appeal to youth by providing alertness, focus, and temporary pleasurable effects.
Ashley Biswanger, a university student, shared her experience of becoming addicted to nicotine pouches as a teenager, highlighting their popularity among her peers. She emphasized the negative impact on her life and the challenges of quitting the habit. Experts like Hammond stress the need for improved regulatory measures to prevent the proliferation of nicotine pouches among youth.
Health Canada reported taking action against unauthorized nicotine pouch products since August 2024, managing over 300 compliance cases, issuing notices, conducting inspections, seizing products, and warning consumers of associated risks. While some police forces are aware of the issue, efforts are ongoing to address the unauthorized sale of nicotine pouches, especially among young individuals. Biswanger, who successfully quit using nicotine pouches, urges others to avoid starting the harmful habit, emphasizing its addictive nature and detrimental effects.
