The pouches contain up to 4 milligrams of nicotine and are marketed as a smoking cessation aid
Feb 07, 2024
B.C. has ordered that flavoured nicotine pouches be moved behind pharmacy counters instead of being sold openly in an effort to prevent youth from becoming addicted.
The order, signed by Health Minister Adrian Dix, means buyers of the pouches will have to consult a pharmacist first.
“By limiting access to these products and ensuring they are dispensed by trained health-care professionals, our goal is to prevent their misuse, especially among young people for recreational purposes,” said Dix.
Premier David Eby says the province is doing what it can to prevent children from coming into contact with the “hazardous” and “addictive” product while Health Canada works to address rules that allow the pouches to be sold in convenience stores and gas stations.
Eby said nicotine can cause changes in the brains of young people and that the government wants to prevent them from being exposed to the products, which experts say are designed to appeal to children.