Smoking in Canada
In Canada, smoking is allowed but regulated. Under these regulations, cigarettes can be sold, purchased online, used, and bought from vending machines. The importation of cigarettes for trade is permitted with a trade license. Health warnings are required on cigarette packaging, the minimum legal age for sales is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places. Cigarettes are subject to an excise value of 54% and a total taxation rate of 63%. Available data show that smoking remains a significant public health issue in Canada. In 2024, there were approximately 3.5 million current smokers aged 15 years and older. This shows that the adult current smoking prevalence was 10.6% in 2024, including 13.1% among males and 8.1% among females. In comparison, this prevalence was 11.4% in 2022. For reference, the number of daily smokers was also about 3.5 million in 2017 which shows that the adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence was 11.6%, with 19.1% among males and 13.4% among females. In 2021, smoking led to 34,171 deaths in Canada, including 20,700 deaths among males and 13,471 among females. This indicates that smoking accounted for 11% of all deaths in 2021 in the country, including 12.8% of male deaths and 9.04% of female deaths.
Read articles from Canada
April 08, 2026 by internationalcbc.com
Canadian Alcohol Sales Continue To Decline While Cannabis Sales...
Canada is experiencing a notable shift in consumption patterns, with alcohol sales continuing to decline while cannabis sales move in the opposite direction. Recent data show that alcohol revenue fell by around 1.6% in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, marking the fourth consecutive annual drop despite rising prices. At the same time, legal cannabis sales increased to approximately $5.5 billion, reflecting steady growth in the regulated market, although at a slower pace than in previous years. This divergence highlights a broader change in consumer behaviour, with Canadians—particularly younger demographics—gradually reducing alcohol consumption while exploring alternative products. The trend is contributing to a wider discussion about evolving social norms, public health awareness, and how regulatory frameworks are adapting to shifting demand across different substance categories.
April 08, 2026 by internationalcbc.com
Canadian Alcohol Sales Continue To Decline While Cannabis Sales...
Canada is experiencing a notable shift in consumption patterns, with alcohol sales continuing to decline while cannabis sales move in the opposite direction. Recent data show that alcohol revenue fell by around 1.6% in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, marking the fourth consecutive annual drop despite rising prices. At the same time, legal cannabis sales increased to approximately $5.5 billion, reflecting steady growth in the regulated market, although at a slower pace than in previous years. This divergence highlights a broader change in consumer behaviour, with Canadians—particularly younger demographics—gradually reducing alcohol consumption while exploring alternative products. The trend is contributing to a wider discussion about evolving social norms, public health awareness, and how regulatory frameworks are adapting to shifting demand across different substance categories.
April 02, 2026 by substack.com
Nicotine Isn’t the Enemy. Smoking Is.
Growing debate is emerging around how nicotine is perceived in public health discussions, with some commentators arguing that it is often wrongly identified as the primary cause of smoking-related harm. The central claim is that it is the act of combustion—burning tobacco—that produces the vast majority of toxic chemicals responsible for disease, rather than nicotine itself. This perspective suggests that conflating nicotine with smoking risks misleading the public and obscuring the potential role of lower-risk alternatives in reducing harm. Proponents argue that clearer communication around relative risks could support more effective strategies to reduce smoking-related illness. At the same time, the issue remains contentious, particularly given nicotine’s addictive nature and concerns about uptake among non-smokers. The discussion reflects a broader divide in public health between precautionary approaches and harm reduction strategies.
March 27, 2026 by stratcann.com
Canadian cannabis sales, licensed space up as extracts and edibles gain market share
Canada’s cannabis market continues to expand, with total sales rising significantly alongside growth in licensed production space. Recent data show that extracts and edibles are gaining market share, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences away from traditional dried flower. This trend points to a maturing market where diversification of products is becoming a key driver of growth. At the same time, evolving demand is reshaping both retail strategies and regulatory considerations across the industry.
March 19, 2026 by marijuanamoment.net
Alcohol And Tobacco Are More Damaging To Users And Society Than Marijuana Is, Government-Funded Study Concludes
A new study found alcohol and tobacco cause more harm than marijuana, with alcohol ranked as the most harmful substance. Marijuana's harms mostly come from the illegal market. The study, supported by government funding, evaluated various substances for their harm to consumers and society. Alcohol scored highest in overall harm, while tobacco ranked first in certain categories. The study suggested governments consider drug harms in policy-making. Surveys show a shift towards marijuana over alcohol, with some opting for cannabis-infused products. Studies indicate cannabis use reduces alcohol consumption. Research suggests cannabis may be a healthier alternative to alcohol, potentially leading to legalization nationwide. More evidence supports marijuana's medical benefits and lower risk compared to current regulations.
March 10, 2026 by yahoo.com
'Free the Zyn': Why nicotine pouches are all the buzz on Canada's right
Conservative MP Jivani promoted the unapproved nicotine product Zyn on a campus tour, with attendees flaunting their canisters at a Vancouver event. B.C. MLA Bhangu endorsed Zyn to curb smoking, while politicians like Smith and Nally advocate for easier access to nicotine pouches. These pouches, marketed as safer alternatives, deliver nicotine through the gums and are popular among young adults. However, their health impacts remain uncertain, with limited research on long-term effects and effectiveness in quitting smoking. Health Canada restricts sales of Zonnic, leading to criticism from conservatives who view it as excessive regulation. Despite calls for relaxed rules, Health Canada defends its measures to deter youth usage.
March 03, 2026 by globalnews.ca
‘Good health policy’: Alberta’s calls on Ottawa to relax nicotine pouch rules
Alberta Premier is challenging Ottawa's restrictions on nicotine pouches, claiming they hinder smoking cessation efforts and increase youth access. The rules allow sales only at pharmacies, with one approved brand. Alberta argues for equal retail access and criticizes the regulations' impact on the black market and youth exposure. Proposing a shift to a more accessible model for smoking cessation products, they aim to align with federal policies. Concerns include unregulated online sales to minors and the need for a balanced approach to reduce youth appeal.
February 27, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com
Substitution Effect | Canadian Flavour Bans Increase Smoking | RegWatch
Canadian flavour bans were sold as a public health win, but the data says otherwise. In this episode of RegWatch, economist Dr. Michael Pesko breaks down new research examining the real-world impact of provincial bans on flavoured nicotine vaping products. Using retail sales data from across Canada, Pesko and his co-authors found that nicotine vape sales fell by roughly 30 percent after provincial flavour bans took effect, while cigarette sales rose by nearly 10 percent.
February 27, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com
Substitution Effect | Canadian Flavour Bans Increase Smoking | RegWatch
Canadian flavour bans were sold as a public health win, but the data says otherwise. In this episode of RegWatch, economist Dr. Michael Pesko breaks down new research examining the real-world impact of provincial bans on flavoured nicotine vaping products. Using retail sales data from across Canada, Pesko and his co-authors found that nicotine vape sales fell by roughly 30 percent after provincial flavour bans took effect, while cigarette sales rose by nearly 10 percent.
January 27, 2026 by westernstandard.news
OLDCORN: The real reason Ottawa won’t compare vaping, patches, gums, and nicotine pouches
Health Canada’s recent Tobacco Strategy progress report celebrates declining smoking rates and low youth smoking levels. The government aims to reduce tobacco use to under 5% by 2035. However, the report fails to differentiate effective nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) for quitting smoking. Around 300,000 Canadians quit smoking in 2024, with over half quitting unaided, 25% using NRTs collectively, and 21% turning to vaping products.
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