For decades, nicotine has been widely condemned as a harmful and addictive substance, primarily associated with the severe health risks of cigarette smoking. However, it is now experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity for reasons entirely unrelated to traditional tobacco use.
High-Profile Endorsements Fuel Controversy
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was observed apparently using nicotine pouches during his confirmation hearing, a move that sparked outrage among some health advocates. Kennedy appears to view nicotine as a performance-enhancing substance, believing it necessary to boost his effectiveness in the congressional setting. Similarly, UFC champion Kayla Harrison has openly admitted to using nicotine pouches as a tool for weight loss, adding to the growing visibility of these products.
The Addictive Reality of Nicotine
The truth remains that nicotine is undeniably addictive. Health Canada's webpage on Tobacco Use and Addictions explicitly states that "Nicotine, the drug in tobacco that causes addiction, is as addictive as heroin or cocaine." It further outlines various health dangers associated with nicotine, including mood alterations and adverse effects on brain plasticity. The website emphasizes that "The developing brains of youth and young adults are particularly vulnerable to long-term nicotine exposure."
Regulated Use for Smoking Cessation
Health Canada has long approved nicotine-containing products to assist adults in quitting smoking. Nicorette gum has been available in Canada for over forty years, accompanied by lozenges, sprays, and inhalers. Transdermal nicotine patches were introduced in the early 1990s. In 2023, a synthetic nicotine pouch named Zonnic received approval for sale in Canada, also designated as a smoking cessation aid. Positioned between the gum and upper lip, it delivers a steady, controlled release, with most users noticing effects after approximately ten minutes and a gradual increase over the subsequent twenty minutes.
Stricter Regulations to Protect Youth
Reflecting concerns about youth access and misuse, Health Canada implemented tighter regulations in 2024. These rules stipulate that approved nicotine pouches can only be sold in pharmacies and must be kept behind the counter. Additionally, the agency banned candy and fruit flavors, along with packaging that could reasonably be considered appealing to young persons.
Contrasting Approaches in the United States
In contrast, regulations are considerably more lenient in the United States, where pouches with brands like Zyn, Velo, Rogue, and Lucy are readily available in convenience stores and gas stations. Unlike Zonnic's two- and four-milligram doses in Canada, Zyn offers up to six milligrams in the U.S. and as high as twelve milligrams in Europe. While individuals are permitted to bring reasonable quantities of these products across the border for personal use, reselling them in Canada remains illegal.
Online Sales and Potential Risks
The ban does not appear to prevent online retailers from selling and shipping U.S. nicotine pouches to Canadians, as a simple internet search for brand names confirms. It is important to note that these online stores can sometimes be complete scams, and in some instances, the products may be counterfeit, posing additional health and safety risks to consumers.
