Canadian Conservatives Pledge to Scrap Pharmacy-Only Rule for Nicotine Pouches
Party Advocates for Wider Retail Access, Citing ‘Freedom of Choice’
A future Conservative government in Canada would reverse the current Liberal policy restricting the sale of nicotine pouches to pharmacies, allowing them to be sold in general retail outlets like corner stores and gas stations. A party spokesperson emphasized the principles of “freedom of choice” for adult Canadians regarding legal products and ensuring access to less harmful alternatives for those trying to quit smoking.
Currently, Health Canada has licensed only one nicotine pouch product (Zonnic) as a smoking cessation aid. Last fall, the Liberal government restricted all such products to pharmacy-only sales, citing concerns about youth access. While tobacco control groups supported the move, critics argue it limits access to a potentially effective quit tool.
The Conservative spokesperson criticized the Liberal policy as hypocritical, contrasting it with harm reduction approaches for other substances. Advocates for wider access highlight that pouches deliver nicotine without smoke or vapor and point to international studies suggesting higher quit rates compared to traditional nicotine gums or patches. They warn that restricting access could impede Canada’s goal of achieving smoke-free status (under 5% smoking rate) by 2035, noting Sweden’s success using pouches.
