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.


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