Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is urging Ottawa to reconsider its restrictions on nicotine pouches. Smith argues the current rules, which limit sales to behind the pharmacy counter, create an unnecessary barrier for adults attempting to quit smoking.
Federal regulations currently allow only one brand, Zonnic, to be sold by pharmacies. Smith and Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally contend this "regulatory inconsistency" could be causing more harm than good, making it harder to access cessation products than cigarettes.
Smith stated at a health announcement that Alberta proposes allowing pouches to be sold in regular retail stores, similar to other age-restricted nicotine products. "We just think it’s good health policy to make smoking cessation products more available as opposed to less available," she told reporters.
Federal policy, introduced in 2024, appears to coincide with a rise in the illicit black market for unregulated pouches, which are readily available online without age verification. This unregulated market may be contributing to increased youth exposure, the opposite of the regulations' intent.
An impact assessment noted concerns that pouches and other cessation aids could create new nicotine users, particularly among youth. The assessment highlighted that marketing and sales of these products have become similar to tobacco and vaping. Ottawa aimed to balance access for smokers with limiting youth appeal. Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel’s office was not immediately available for comment.