Nicotine pouches are now restricted to pharmacies. Former smokers say that's making it harder to quit

Flavored nicotine pouches are now exclusively available from pharmacists in Canada, following new national regulations. However, some former smokers argue that these new rules make it more difficult for adults to access a product that was aiding their efforts to quit cigarettes.

"I believe the government should do everything possible to prevent youth from becoming addicted to nicotine, whether it's through nicotine pouches, vaping products, or tobacco products in general," said Zach Laing, a 29-year-old former smoker who uses the pouches.

"The legislation here … is just taking it a little bit too far," Laing, from Edmonton, commented.

As of Wednesday, the federal government has prohibited the sale of these pouches in convenience stores, gas stations, and online platforms. All fruity flavors have been recalled, leaving only mint-flavored pouches available behind pharmacy counters.

This move has been supported by various national health organizations, including the Canadian Dental Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. They argue that, unlike other nicotine replacement therapies like gum or patches, these pouches were being marketed in a way that targeted youth, including those who had never smoked.

Health Canada approved the pouches last summer under the brand name Zonnic to aid smoking cessation. These small white packets are placed between the cheek and gums, releasing nicotine equivalent to several cigarettes but without the cancer-causing chemicals.

"For me, nicotine pouches always seemed like the lesser of two evils," Laing said. "I've struggled with nicotine addiction for a decade, and I don't think that's going to change anytime soon."

Laing, who has asthma, mentioned that he tried various methods, including chewing tobacco, cigarettes, and vaping, before finding the pouches beneficial.

"They really suited me. They didn’t make me feel ill like tobacco products sometimes did," he noted.

Despite their benefits, nicotine pouches still pose health risks, such as damage to gum tissues and increased blood pressure and heart rate. Health Canada emphasizes that nicotine is highly toxic and addictive, especially for developing children and teenagers, and even small amounts can increase future addiction risks.

Todd Prochnau, an Alberta pharmacist who helps patients quit smoking, expressed concern that restricting the availability of pouches in convenience stores might limit options for those trying to quit.

"Convenience stores are where people buy cigarettes, so having nicotine pouches there could help them make a less harmful choice," Prochnau said. "Patients need as much access as possible to any nicotine replacement product that can help them quit smoking."

He also warned of potential unintended consequences from banning flavored pouches, citing research indicating that adults often prefer a variety of flavors, while children are more likely to choose sweet flavors.

"There is a substantial black market for these nicotine pouches, available online or in some stores that sell them illegally," Prochnau added.

Imperial Tobacco, the maker of Zonnic, has launched a campaign predicting this black market issue.

"I remind everyone that we are the only approved nicotine pouch in Canada," said Eric Gagnon, vice-president of corporate and regulatory affairs at Imperial Tobacco Canada, in a CBC News interview.

Health Canada has pledged to combat this issue by identifying and seizing unauthorized nicotine pouches, including those sold online and at the border.

"We want to support adults in quitting smoking. That’s why smoking cessation aids with a proven track record, like gums, lozenges, sprays, and inhalers, will remain available in various retail locations with multiple flavors," said Matt Kronberg, spokesperson for Health Minister Mark Holland.

Kronberg added that stricter controls are necessary due to the "elevated risk of youth appeal."

Rob Cunningham, a senior policy analyst with the Canadian Cancer Society, stated that the pouches will still be accessible for adults through pharmacies.

"Pharmacies are widespread, so obtaining these products will be quite easy for those who need them," Cunningham said.

He noted that cigarettes being sold in convenience stores is a historical quirk, as nicotine replacement therapies like gum and patches were originally sold in pharmacies.

"The tobacco industry's preferred locations are convenience stores and gas stations because they provide access to individuals who are not yet smokers," Cunningham said.