close
close

BC moves flavored nicotine pouches to back of pharmacy shelves to protect children – Winnipeg Free Press

Posted on by Neons

VANCOUVER – The BC government has ordered flavored nicotine pouches to be sold only behind pharmacy counters across the province to prevent youth addiction.

The order, signed by Health Secretary Adrian Dix, means those buying sachets containing up to four milligrams of nicotine must consult a pharmacist.

Premier David Aby said the province is doing everything it can to prevent children from coming into contact with the “dangerous” and “addictive” product, while Health Canada is working to address regulations that allow them to be sold at convenience stores and gas stations.

BC Premier David Abe speaks at a press conference Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in Vancouver. Flavored nicotine pouches are now only sold behind pharmacy counters in British Columbia to prevent youth from becoming addicted. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
BC Premier David Abe speaks at a press conference in Vancouver on Monday, February 5, 2024. Flavored nicotine pouches are now only sold behind pharmacy counters in British Columbia to prevent youth from becoming addicted. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Eby told a press conference that nicotine use can cause changes in the brains of young people, and that the government should prevent them from coming into contact with products that children like.

Available in a variety of flavors, the pouches are often sold under the Zonnic brand and marketed as a way to help adults quit smoking.