Health Minister Mandates Nicotine Pouches to be Sold Behind the Counter and Prohibits Flavours

August 22, 2024 TruthUSA

Health Minister Mark Holland is implementing a new measure starting next week by placing Health Canada-approved nicotine pouches behind pharmacy counters. This is part of his efforts to prevent the sale of new nicotine products to children.

In addition, he is restricting the use of flavours other than mint or menthol for pouches and any new nicotine products entering the market. There will also be limitations on the labels and advertising of all nicotine replacement therapies.

Last year, Health Canada approved Imperial Tobacco’s nicotine pouch product, Zonnic, as a smoking cessation aid without specifying an age restriction for consumers.

However, Holland has raised concerns that children and young individuals who have never smoked are using these pouches, labeling it as a “loophole” exploited by tobacco companies.

Imperial Tobacco has criticized the minister for unfairly targeting their tightly regulated product while overlooking similar unregulated versions that can be easily purchased online.

The minister is currently exploring strategies to prevent these products from entering the country.