The B.C. government is restricting buccal (oral) nicotine-pouch products sales only by a pharmacist on a non-prescription basis.

Effective Feb. 7, an amendment to the Drug Schedules Regulation requires buccal nicotine pouch products, like the ones sold under the brand name Zonnic, to be kept behind the counter at a pharmacy. Individuals wishing to purchase these products will need to consult a pharmacist.

This will allow pharmacists to inform those purchasing the pouches about the health risks associated with nicotine dependency, stated an Office of the Premier and Ministry of Health media release.

“Nicotine is highly addictive and children and youth are more likely to develop nicotine dependence. Nicotine affects memory and concentration, can alter brain development, reduce impulse control, and cause cognitive and behavioural issues in children and youth. Nicotine dependence can result in withdrawal and cause symptoms such as headaches, shakes, dizziness and feelings of anxiety or depression.”

“Raising safe and healthy kids is our most important job. It is also a tough job,” said Premier David Eby. “Regulating addictive and harmful products can protect young people from peer pressure, advertising, or poor decisions. By putting addictive nicotine products behind the pharmacy counter, we can ensure these products are only sold to the people they’re intended for.”

“B.C. is taking proactive steps to ensure nicotine cessation products are used for their intended purpose – aiding individuals in quitting smoking and improving their overall health,” said Adrian Dix, B.C. Minister of Health. “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.”

The moves is in recognition of the concerning trend of youth using nicotine-cessation products recreationally, which poses serious health risks and undermines ongoing efforts to reduce tobacco use, the news release explained.

Buccal nicotine pouches are taken orally and contain up to four milligrams of nicotine, which is equivalent to the amount of nicotine absorbed from three to four cigarettes.

When used as intended, buccal nicotine pouches can be used as a nicotine-replacement therapy product to help people reduce nicotine dependency. However, public health experts have identified the concerning trend of youth using nicotine-cessation products recreationally.

These products are new to the Canadian market and there are few restrictions preventing the sale of these to children and youth.

The B.C. government is taking action to limit the sale of these products to pharmacies and to require that a person wishing to buy this product to consult a pharmacist. This will allow pharmacists to exercise their professional judgment, expertise, knowledge and discretion in determining whether the sale is appropriate.

Individuals seeking support to quit smoking are encouraged to talk to their health-care professional, who can provide personalized guidance to help meet their needs. Together, it is possible to work toward a tobacco-free future and ensure the well-being of current and future generations in British Columbia.

Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey 2022 data shows that 13% of youth in Canada vaped in the past 30 days. In B.C., the vaping rates are higher, with 16.1% of youth aged 15-19 having vaped in the past 30 days.

A person must be 19 or older to purchase tobacco or vape products in British Columbia.

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