Key Takeaways
• I Want My Pouches launched during Canada’s National Non-Smoking Week
• The group advocates broader adult access to nicotine pouches through convenience stores and other retailers
• A Léger survey of 1,523 adults is cited: 73% support selling cessation aids where cigarettes are sold
• The survey is cited: 61% oppose pharmacy-exclusive nicotine pouch sales; among smokers, 75% oppose
• Founder TJ Peric says the group will invite adults to share experiences via social media
2Firsts, January 22, 2026
According to CMW, Canadian consumer advocacy group I Want My Pouches launched during National Non-Smoking Week to advocate for straightforward, consistent and practical adult access to nicotine pouches.
The group said it is highlighting what it describes as a regulatory gap: cigarettes remain widely available, while nicotine pouches are restricted behind pharmacy counters.
I Want My Pouches cited a pan-Canadian Léger survey conducted among 1,523 adults. The group said the survey found that 73% of Canadians believe smoking-cessation aids should be available in the same retail locations as cigarettes, such as grocery and convenience stores, rising to 79% among smokers. It also said 61% oppose the exclusive sale of nicotine pouches in pharmacies, an opinion it said is shared by 75% of smokers.
Founder and spokesperson TJ Peric said he is a Royal Canadian Navy veteran and described his experience trying to quit smoking, stating that nicotine pouches helped him but access was complicated. He said access to a solution to quit should not be harder than buying cigarettes.
The group described itself as a grassroots movement seeking to give adults a voice regarding access barriers, and called on federal decision-makers to pursue a more pragmatic approach aligned with Canada’s smoking reduction goals.
Image source: I Want My Pouches.
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