Imperial Tobacco, maker of Zonnic, will have 6 months to change labels and ads

Ottawa makes it harder to buy products to quit smoking than to buy cigarettes, say critics of the government’s behind-the-counter rules for Zonnic

A cross-country road trip by a nicotine users’ rights group revealed a widespread illicit market for nicotine pouches, with over 148 illegal products purchased from 42 retailers across five provinces. Founder Maria Papaioannoy highlighted that the black market has grown due to restrictive regulations, including limited potency (4 mg or less), restricted flavors (only mint and menthol), and exclusive approval of Zonnic. The group found counterfeit pouches with concentrations as high as 50 mg, noting a stark contrast between legal and illegal markets—older individuals faced difficulty accessing products while younger buyers could easily obtain them. Health Canada denied that its 2024 ministerial order contributed to the black market, attributing illicit sales to unauthorized imports and cross-border activity. The group criticized the Liberal government for creating a reactive regulatory framework that prioritized fear over public health, arguing it has marginalized harm reduction options for Canadians. Advocates call for policy reforms to expand access to safer nicotine products in retail environments, emphasizing their role in helping smokers quit or reduce tobacco use.

OTTAWA — Dans une dépêche transmise le 24 juin 2024 sur la loi fédérale réglementant le tabac et les produits de vapotage, La Presse Canadienne écrivait que le Zonnic, un produit à base de nicotine qu...

Nicotine pouches such as Zyn and Zonnic were pitched to regulators as a way to help adults quit smoking. But a surge in popularity among young people has cau...