Nicotine Pouches

A new alternative to smoking and vaping is quickly gaining popularity: oral nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouches are pre-portioned pouches with varying concentrations of nicotine, along with cellulose, water, flavouring, and sodium carbonate, which are placed in between the lip and gum of the mouth. ¹

Zonnic is the only nicotine pouch product authorized for sale by Health Canada under the Natural Health Product Regulations. On August 22, 2024, Health Minister Mark Holland announced new regulations for nicotine pouches to address the growing use of these products among youth. These changes emphasize that products regulated as cessation aids must be manufactured, marketed, and sold accordingly, with appropriate regulatory measures in place. ⁷

Key Changes:

• Advertising & Packaging: The new regulations eliminate inappropriate advertising, labeling, and flavours, other than mint or menthol, that appeal to youth.
• Product Removal: Zonnic nicotine pouches were removed from convenience stores and gas stations on August 28, 2024, making them less accessible to young people.
• Sales Location: Nicotine pouches and emerging nicotine products are now sold behind the counter at pharmacies.

Understanding The Risks

Nicotine is not a harmless substance. It is highly addictive in any form and has adverse effects on youth and young adult brain development. Nicotine can impact the parts of the brain responsible for attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. ²³ Exposures to nicotine during adolescence, when the brain is still in development, can increase the risk of addiction to nicotine and other substances later in life.

Other negative health side effects associated with nicotine pouch use may include:⁴

• Nicotine dependence
• Nausea
• Gum/mouth irritation

Excessive amounts of nicotine can lead to nicotine poisoning, which can cause severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, severe heartburn, cold sweats, blurred vision, mental confusion, and chest pain.⁵ Long-term use of products containing nicotine can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders.⁶ Nicotine can also negatively impact immune system function and reproductive health.⁶

Health Canada's Public Advisory

Health Canada has issued a public advisory stating that nicotine pouches should not be used by youth or by those who do not smoke. Health Canada’s advisory stresses that authorized nicotine pouches should be used as directed.⁵

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Health Canada's advisory on nicotine pouches and approved Nicotine Replacement Therapy are important considerations when thinking about supports for quitting smoking and vaping. Given the concerns around nicotine pouches, it is important that you choose products that have been proven to be effective in helping people quit. Nicotine Replacement Therapy, such as the nicotine patch, lozenge, gum, mouth spray, and inhaler, are designed to provide relief from the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and have demonstrated success in supporting individuals in their journey to quit smoking and vaping. Learn more about Nicotine Replacement Therapy.