Gen Z Canadians are drinking less than older generations, but they are using more nicotine products, according to a recent insurance report by PolicyMe. The study found that Canadians aged 18 to 29 report the lowest daily alcohol consumption.
However, this same age group shows the highest reported daily use of nicotine products, at 7.3 percent, surpassing older demographics. This includes vaping, e-cigarettes, traditional cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. PolicyMe CEO Andrew Ostro noted that while traditional smoking is down, alternative products like vapes are driving increased nicotine use among younger individuals.
Sarah Butson, CEO of the Canadian Lung Association, stated that newer products are attracting young people to the nicotine market for the first time. She cautioned that enticing fruit-themed flavors mask the harmful nature of these products. Despite a perception that vaping is less harmful than smoking, Butson warns against such comparisons, emphasizing the severe risks of cigarette smoking.
The insurance industry currently categorizes any nicotine product use within the last 12 months as smoking, leading to significantly higher premiums for users compared to non-users, even with identical health profiles. Experts stress the need for policy measures to curb youth nicotine use by reducing product appeal and restricting access, particularly concerning flavored vaping products.