Province Taking Action To Prevent Sale Of Nicotine Products To Youth

The Province is restricting the sale of flavoured nicotine-pouch products to be sold only by a pharmacist, to keep them away from kids.

“Raising safe and healthy kids is our most important job. It is also a tough job,” said Premier David Eby.

“Regulating addictive and harmful products can protect young people from peer pressure, advertising, or poor decisions. By putting addictive nicotine products behind the pharmacy counter, we can ensure these products are only sold to the people they’re intended for.”

Health Minister Adrian Dix says B.C. is taking proactive steps to ensure nicotine cessation products are used for their intended purpose aiding individuals in quitting smoking and improving their overall health.

“By limiting access to these products and ensuring they are dispensed by trained health-care professionals, our goal is to prevent their misuse, especially among young people for recreational purposes,” said Dix.

The products, such as the ones sold under the brand name Zonnic, are intended to be used as nicotine replacement therapy, but are often misused.

The government says the change is being taken in recognition of the concerning trend of youth using nicotine-cessation products recreationally, which poses serious health risks and undermines ongoing efforts to reduce tobacco use.

Buccal nicotine pouches are taken orally and contain up to four milligrams of nicotine, which is equivalent to the amount of nicotine absorbed from three to four cigarettes.

The products are relatively new to the Canadian market and there are few restrictions preventing the sale of these to children and youth.

This government says the measure builds on broader efforts to protect youth from the effects of nicotine use and addiction, including the A-Z of Vaping marketing campaign that informs youth and families about the risks of vaping.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.