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Is Quebec Government Doing Enough to Prevent Teen Nicotine Access?

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Aug.01.2024
Is Quebec Government Doing Enough to Prevent Teen Nicotine Access?
ITCAN urges Canadian Health Department and Quebec Government to prevent youth access to nicotine products, citing lack of enforcement.

According to a report by Yahoo.Finance on July 31st, Imperial Tobacco Canada (ITCAN) and other organizations are urging the Canadian Department of Health and the Quebec government to fulfill their responsibilities in preventing youth access to nicotine products.

 

Eric Gagnon, Vice President of ITCAN Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, stated that...

 

This is a serious public health issue. Media reports have confirmed the issues we have been raising with the Quebec government for several months now: there is a serious lack of enforcement in addressing illegal nicotine products, leading to a thriving black market. The Quebec government and the Canadian Department of Health must work towards enforcing existing laws.

 

Since Quebec banned flavored e-cigarette products last fall, several media outlets have pointed out that some retailers are circumventing the law. However, ITCAN stated that the company has provided evidence of these issues to the Quebec government multiple times. Yet, enforcement actions have not been strengthened, and the illegal market continues to persist.

 

We want to assure the public and healthcare professionals that ITCAN strictly complies with all regulations regarding the marketing and sales of nicotine products. However, not all manufacturers and distributors do the same. They are well aware that they can operate with impunity, with no one holding them accountable for their actions.

 

Currently, the company's nicotine pouch product ZONNIC is the only one approved in Canada as a natural health product and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for adults 18 years and older. Health Canada has approved the product for sale.

 

Any nicotine pouches sold by retailers other than ZONNIC are illegal, without exception. ITCAN has implemented mandatory age verification and insists that the products can only be sold from behind the counter, even though our license does not require this.

 

The company stated that it will fully support regulations that restrict the sale of nicotine products to adults over the age of 18, and will promote open dialogue with stakeholders to enhance enforcement and protect adolescents from the influence of nicotine.

 

References:
[1] RECENT MEDIA REPORTS CONFIRM THRIVING ILLEGAL NICOTINE MARKET IN QUEBEC
Also Read:
[1] Imperial Tobacco Canada Warns Health Canada on E-cigarette Additives
[2] Imperial Brands Reports Growth in First Half Financial Results
[3] ITCAN Launches Public Awareness Campaign for Zonnic Nicotine Pouches
[4] Imperial Brands PLC Sees Surging Sales of NTPs in Italy, Accounting for Over 50% of Total Revenue
[5] Imperial Brands Initiates £1 Billion Stock Buyback Program
[6] Imperial Brands PLC Expects Increase in Profit Due to Disposable Sales Growth
[7] Failure of Quebec's E-cigarette Flavor Ban Raises Public Concerns
[8] Imperials Brands Stocks Fall Due to UK E-cigarette Tax
#North America#Canada#Regulation#Nicotine products

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