Concerns Over Sale of Nicotine Pouches Targeting Canadian Youth

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.20.2023
Concerns Over Sale of Nicotine Pouches Targeting Canadian Youth
Canadian health unit warns of 'Zonnic' nicotine pouches sold in Canada, with flavors and packaging appealing to teenagers.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit in Canada recently issued a press release highlighting concerns about the sale of nicotine pouches branded as 'Zonnic', which are found to be highly appealing to teenagers due to their flavors and packaging.

 

These nicotine pouches are now widely available for sale in convenience stores and gas stations around the world, alongside other products like snacks and candy. Despite the recommendation from the Canadian Department of Health that individuals under 18 should not use nicotine products, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit states that these packaged products can be purchased without age verification.

 

The health organization advises parents to have in-depth and open discussions with their children regarding the dangers of nicotine use.

 

These products, due to their addictive nicotine content, serve as a stepping stone to more dangerous substances. This is a trend we are currently experiencing, with the likelihood of teenagers using e-cigarettes to smoke tobacco cigarettes being three times higher than those who do not use them," said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, a medical officer. "I am deeply concerned that these products could lead to early nicotine addiction in our children.

 

The health authorities of Windsor-Essex County have informed local schools about these products and will closely collaborate with them to adjust school policies to prevent their use on school premises. Considering that these products have recently emerged in Canada, they are currently not covered by anti-smoking and e-cigarette regulations.

 

The health agency stated that currently these packaged products are being sold under the name of natural health products by the Canadian Department of Health, and are being advertised as smoking cessation tools.

 

Health officials will also recommend restricting the access of individuals under the age of eighteen to these products.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Indiana SB 185 Advances: Foreign-Made Vapes Would Be Barred, With Focus on China
Indiana SB 185 Advances: Foreign-Made Vapes Would Be Barred, With Focus on China
Indiana State Sen. Ron Alting is backing Senate Bill 185, which would ban vape shops in Indiana from selling any foreign-made vaping products and restrict retail shelves to U.S.-made items. Alting has framed the proposal as a consumer-safety measure and has singled out China, citing industry reporting that China produces more than 90% of the world’s vape hardware.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France drops a vaping clause from the 2026 finance bill after use of Article 49.3
France drops a vaping clause from the 2026 finance bill after use of Article 49.3
A provision in France’s 2026 finance bill intended to regulate vaping products was abandoned after Sébastien Lecornu used Article 49.3 on January 20 to commit the government’s responsibility on the “revenue” section of the state budget.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nicaragua’s Health Ministry reaffirms Resolution No. 334-2021, maintaining a total ban on vaping and e-cigarette sales
Nicaragua’s Health Ministry reaffirms Resolution No. 334-2021, maintaining a total ban on vaping and e-cigarette sales
Nicaragua’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) issued an official statement on January 2, 2026 reaffirming the validity of Ministerial Resolution No. 334-2021, which absolutely bans the use and commercialization of electronic nicotine delivery systems known as “vapeadores” or e-cigarettes.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Charlie’s Holdings Signs Licensing Agreement with IKE Tech to Commercialize Age-Gated Vape Technology in the U.S.
Charlie’s Holdings Signs Licensing Agreement with IKE Tech to Commercialize Age-Gated Vape Technology in the U.S.
Charlie’s Holdings has signed a licensing agreement with IKE Tech to commercialize an age-gated vape activation system in the U.S. The technology combines biometric authentication, BLE hardware, and a mobile app for continuous device-level age verification. The company plans to test-market the system with SBX nicotine analogue products this spring and may later apply it to PACHA-branded ENDS.
News
Jan.06
Rethinking Nicotine Harm Reduction: A Neuroscientist’s Perspective on Scientific Gaps and Future Directions — By Dr. Xin-an Liu
Rethinking Nicotine Harm Reduction: A Neuroscientist’s Perspective on Scientific Gaps and Future Directions — By Dr. Xin-an Liu
After France’s ANSES report on nicotine products and harm reduction, Dr. Xin-an Liu wrote to 2Firsts reassessing the field’s foundations. She argues the debate reveals gaps in evidence on long-term behavioral substitution, addiction pathways and neurobiological impacts, and calls for longitudinal research, integrated behavioral science and neuroimaging, clearer risk assessment and stronger transparency to ensure policy and next-generation product development rest on solid evidence.
Industry Insight
Feb.24
Kazakhstan Investigates Social-Media Vape Sales Linked to a Banking “Drop” Arrangement
Kazakhstan Investigates Social-Media Vape Sales Linked to a Banking “Drop” Arrangement
Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) in Ulytau Region is conducting a pre-trial investigation into alleged illegal vape sales and the unlawful acquisition of access to a bank account. Authorities say a Satpayev resident has sold banned devices via social media since 2024 and used a “dropper” arrangement to disguise proceeds.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai