Controversy Surrounding Ban on Nicotine Flavored Pouches in Canada

The decision in British Columbia to ban the sale of flavored nicotine pouches behind pharmacy counters has left Imperial Tobacco Canada feeling "very disappointed."

The governor, David Aby, announced a ban saying that the province has ordered to prevent children from accessing this "dangerous" and "addictive" product, while the Canadian Department of Health is working to regulate sales. However, in a statement, the Canadian Imperial Tobacco Company stated that moving sales outside of convenience stores and gas stations "will make it more difficult for smokers to access products to help them quit smoking."

The headquarters of the Canadian Imperial Tobacco Company is located in Montreal. The company's Zonnic brand has launched a variety of flavored nicotine pouch products. The company has stated that it supports preventing children from purchasing nicotine products and has taken steps to ensure that users must verify their age before using them. The company hopes that Abi will reconsider the necessity of this measure.

In contrast, the Quebec Tobacco Control Alliance praised the measures taken by British Columbia, stating that Imperial Brands intends to sell these attractive flavored pouches with "stylish, colorful packaging" and distribute them to stores.

Flory Ducas, the director of the Tobacco Control Alliance partner, stated in a declaration: "It is imperative for the Minister of Health to take immediate action to protect young people nationwide from easily accessible, recreational nicotine pouches and nearly limitless marketing that presents them as an attractive, social, and fashionable lifestyle choice."