Local public health experts warn about nicotine pouches

Local health experts are warning of the dangers posed to young people about new flavoured nicotine pouches.

These pouches are placed in between the upper lip and gums of someone’s mouth, where nicotine is absorbed. Each pouch contains 4 milligrams (mg) of nicotine and come in a pack of 15. It comes in flavours such as berry frost and tropical breeze.

Health Canada approved one brand of nicotine pouches, Zonnic, in July under the Natural Health Product Regulations. Imperial Tobacco, the owner of Zonnic, began selling the pouches in Canada on Oct. 12.

Dr. Nicola Mercer, the medical officer of health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, said because these products are classified as a “natural health product,” they do not have a minimum advertising age. She notes they have begun to see these pouches appear in local high schools as well.

“Your child can go in and buy a nicotine product now,” said Mercer. “They don’t even have to be behind the counter, they can be on the shelf beside the candy bars.”

Karen Haughey, a Public Health Nurse for the Region of Waterloo, said on the Mike Farwell Show on Tuesday they just started noticing them in November and are as appealing to young people as vaping.

“Any nicotine exposure can lead to addiction and that is certainly a concern for us,” said Haughey.

Health organizations, such as the Canadian Cancer Society, have called for the products to be reclassified as a prescription product or to suspend the sale until the regulatory gap is closed. They have also called for a moratorium on approval of any nicotine pouches until the gap is closed.

Other brands, such as Zyn, are not legal in Canada yet but have still made their way into market through online ordering.