Controversial Minister Order Restricts Nicotine Pouch Sales in Canada

Sep.09.2024
Controversial Minister Order Restricts Nicotine Pouch Sales in Canada
Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland issued a controversial ministerial order limiting nicotine pouch sales to pharmacies, affecting ZONNIC sales.

According to a report from CTV News on September 9th, Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland has issued a controversial ministerial order. Starting on Wednesday, Canadians will only be able to purchase nicotine pouches at pharmacies. The announcement of this measure has impacted the sales of ZONNIC, a nicotine pouch brand owned by Imperial Tobacco Canada (ITCAN), in convenience stores.


Two pharmacies in Brookville, Ontario, Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall, have stated that they currently have no plans to stock the product.


A convenience store in Qiandao City expressed that these nicotine pouches are very popular, with three to four customers coming to purchase them just last Sunday morning, but ultimately leaving empty-handed.


Some officials in Canada have expressed concerns that these products are too easily accessible to minors. Supporters of nicotine pouches argue that the new regulations make it more difficult for those who actually use them to quit smoking to obtain them.


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

Croatian decree raises excise duties on tobacco products effective January 1, 2026
Croatian decree raises excise duties on tobacco products effective January 1, 2026
Croatian government decree provides that higher excise duties on tobacco manufactures and tobacco products take effect from January 1, 2026. Excise on e-liquid is set at €0.25 per millilitre, on heated tobacco products at €211.30 per kilogram, and on a new tobacco product at €126.90 per kilogram. The decree’s explanation says 2026 budget revenue from these excises is expected to increase by €129.1 million.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan Parliament Passes E-cigarette Ban Bill in First Reading
Azerbaijan Parliament Passes E-cigarette Ban Bill in First Reading
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis has approved, in its first reading, a bill that would ban the import, export, production, storage, wholesale and retail sale, and use of electronic cigarettes and their components. The bill amends the Law on Tobacco and Tobacco Products, classifying nicotine-containing e-cigarettes as tobacco products while explicitly excluding heated tobacco products. If adopted, the law would take effect on February 1, 2026.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
San Francisco reaches $1 million settlement with nicotine pouch retailer Lucy Goods
San Francisco reaches $1 million settlement with nicotine pouch retailer Lucy Goods
In the United States, California, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu announced a $1 million settlement requiring online tobacco retailer Lucy Goods, Inc. to stop shipping illegal tobacco products into San Francisco.
Jan.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Tobacco Annual Meeting Flags “New Growth Drivers” for 2026: Cigarette Innovation, Domestic Cigars, Overseas Business and Multi-Purpose Use
China Tobacco Annual Meeting Flags “New Growth Drivers” for 2026: Cigarette Innovation, Domestic Cigars, Overseas Business and Multi-Purpose Use
China’s tobacco authorities used their annual industry meeting in Beijing to outline new growth drivers for 2026, highlighting cigarette innovation, domestic cigars, overseas business expansion and multi-purpose tobacco applications.
Jan.20
NielsenIQ Data Shows UK Tobacco Market Decline of 12.7% with E-Cigarettes Dropping GBP 225 Million
NielsenIQ Data Shows UK Tobacco Market Decline of 12.7% with E-Cigarettes Dropping GBP 225 Million
According to NielsenIQ data published on December 7, 2025, overall tobacco and nicotine product sales in the UK dropped 12.7% in the 12 months ending September 6, representing more than £1 billion in lost sales.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco expands Ploom EVO stick lineup, rolling out four new variants in Japan in two phases
Japan Tobacco expands Ploom EVO stick lineup, rolling out four new variants in Japan in two phases
Japan Tobacco (JT) is adding four new EVO variants for its Ploom heated tobacco range—Green Mint, Cacao Mint Crystal, Tropical Lime Crystal and Sakura Regular—set to launch in two waves on Jan. 22 and Feb. 3. The initial release will be via the CLUB JT online store and Ploom retail stores.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai