A recent investigation by CBC News has revealed that despite new federal regulations aimed at restricting access to nicotine pouches and deterring youth, banned nicotine pouches with high doses and appealing flavors are still being sold in convenience stores nationwide. The federal government took action in August 2024 to limit the sale of nicotine pouches to pharmacies due to concerns raised by various health groups regarding their popularity among non-smokers and youth.
Health Canada strictly regulates nicotine pouches as natural health products for individuals aged 18 and above, intended to aid in smoking cessation. Zonnic, the sole brand authorized for sale at pharmacies, owned by Imperial Tobacco Canada, is limited to offering four-milligram pouches in mint or menthol flavors to avoid attracting children and adolescents, as per the regulations.
However, CBC News reporters in major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax found unauthorized nicotine pouches resembling the popular U.S. brand Zyn from Philip Morris International being sold in corner stores. These products came in fruity flavors and contained doses as high as 15 milligrams. Additionally, online distributors based in Canada were found offering a variety of unauthorized pouch brands in high doses and unauthorized flavors, with promises of quick and discreet delivery.
Experts, including David Hammond, a professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Public Health Sciences, warned about the potential appeal of nicotine pouches to youth due to their attractive packaging and flavors. Research indicates that Canadian youth are showing a higher interest in nicotine pouches compared to adults, with approximately 100,000 kids, representing five percent of Canadian youth, having tried using a pouch.
Despite the new rules prohibiting Zonnic from using attractive advertising or packaging, other brands continue to circulate pernicious ads on platforms like TikTok, promoting their discreet and easy-to-use products. Nicotine pouches, which do not contain tobacco or cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarettes, are absorbed into the bloodstream through mucous membranes, making them potentially addictive and harmful, especially to young and developing brains.
Dr. Nicholas Chadi, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent and addiction medicine, emphasized the risks associated with nicotine use among youth, citing its potential to lead to dependence and addiction. He noted that the earlier a person is exposed to nicotine, the greater the risk of developing such issues, along with adverse impacts on brain development and overall health.
One individual, Ashley Biswanger, shared her experience of becoming hooked on nicotine pouches as a teenager, highlighting the addictive nature of the products and their negative impact on her life. She stressed the importance of regulating these products effectively to prevent youth from falling into the trap of nicotine addiction.
Health Canada has taken steps to address the unauthorized sale and advertising of nicotine pouches since August 2024, monitoring compliance cases and taking enforcement actions against retailers violating the regulations. Despite these efforts, challenges persist in curbing the availability and appeal of unauthorized nicotine pouches, especially among vulnerable youth populations.
Biswanger, who managed to quit using nicotine pouches, now advocates against their use, emphasizing the detrimental effects and addictive nature of these products. She warns other young individuals about the risks associated with nicotine pouches and urges them to avoid starting this harmful habit.