Smoking in Canada
In Canada, smoking is allowed and tobacco products are 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 tax value of 54.47% and a total taxation rate of 63.34%. 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, with 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 approximately 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
August 15, 2024 by ctvnews.ca
Cannabis extracts recalled due to high concentration of THC
Health Canada expanded the recall of iNaturally Organic Inc. cannabis products due to inaccuracies on labels, affecting over 17,000 units sold across several Canadian provinces. The products contain higher THC levels than stated, posing health risks like cannabis poisoning. Consumers are advised to stop using, return, or dispose of the products and keep them away from children. Inaccurate labeling may lead to unsafe consumption during activities requiring alertness. iNaturally Organic Inc. initiated a voluntary recall, following reports of adverse reactions. The current recall builds upon a previous one issued in June, emphasizing the importance of accurate product information for informed decision-making on cannabis usage.
August 14, 2024 by cbc.ca
Kids in Canada can buy nicotine pouches. Parents should be worried
Nicotine pouches were approved in Canada to help smokers quit, but there’s growing concern they’re ending up in the hands of kids. The National breaks down how they ended up for sale in convenience stores with no age limit and what experts are most worried about.
July 11, 2024 by cbc.ca
Where to put the pouch: Prof says nicotine pouches shouldn’t be in corner stores
Nicotine pouches are sold in convenience stores in Newfoundland and Labrador — but proposed federal regulations could put a stop to that. Other provinces like B.C. and Quebec have moved the product behind pharmacy counters, and the federal health minister has signaled he wants the rest of the country to follow suit. Dr. Leslie Phillips thinks it’s a good idea, but a retail group representing convenience stores across the country disagrees.
June 19, 2024 by globalnews.ca
Unapproved nicotine pouches recalled in Canada. Which ones? - National
Health Canada has issued recalls for unauthorized flavoured nicotine pouches in Canada. The affected brands include Zyn and XQS, with various flavors and nicotine levels. Consumers are advised to check for recalled products and seek medical advice if concerned. Philip Morris International, the maker of Zyn, supports the government's actions. Only Zonnic by Imperial Tobacco is authorized for sale in Canada. Health experts and officials are worried about the appeal of nicotine pouches to children and are considering restrictions. Health Canada emphasizes that these products should only be used by adults for smoking cessation. Unauthorized pouches are still being sold in stores.
June 03, 2024 by regulatorwatch.com
Flavour Ban | Rights 4 Vapers Ottawa News Conference | RegWatch
Advocacy group Rights4Vapers holds a news conference in Ottawa to criticize the federal government’s possible ban on flavoured vapour products. Health Canada proposed a ban in 2021, but it was never put into effect. Providing remarks are the group’s spokesperson Maria Papaioannoy, Marion Burt and lawyer Douglas Elliott.
May 20, 2024 by globalnews.ca
Vaping in Canada may cost more as of July 1. Here’s why
A federal government proposal plans to increase vape prices, aiming to reduce underage vaping rates, but experts criticize the tax as too low. Concerns arise over potential unintended consequences, like an increase in cigarette smoking. Despite worries, the government believes the tax is a step in the right direction. Some fear the impact on the vaping market, leading to possible black market activities. Vaping industry experts warn about the effects of banning flavors and increasing taxes. Health professionals stress the importance of government intervention to prevent long-term health risks associated with vaping.
May 10, 2024 by researchco.ca
Most Canadians Would Emulate UK’s Cigarette Purchase Law
Canadians support the UK's progressive cigarette purchasing age increase and labeling laws. Over two-thirds agree with new warning labels, while 65% endorse raising the legal age to buy cigarettes annually starting from 2009 onwards. A survey shows willingness to adopt similar regulations in Canada, with majority support from voters of different political parties. Prevalence of tobacco, marijuana, and e-cigarette use varies by region and age group. Smokers generally approve of warning labels, but are divided on implementing UK-like laws. The survey, conducted online in April 2024, polled 1,002 Canadian adults with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points.
April 09, 2024 by healthydebate.ca
Nicotine pouches: Salvation for smokers or temptation for teens?
Canadian health charities, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, opposed a new nicotine pouch product by Imperial Tobacco Canada, fearing it could attract youth and criticized Health Canada's approval. Despite its potential as a safer smoking cessation aid, concerns over flavors and marketing tactics led to the backlash. Health Minister Mark Holland vowed to address the issue, emphasizing protection of minors. The debate highlights the importance of proper regulation, responsible marketing, and considering safer nicotine alternatives for smokers. The focus should be on reducing smoking-related deaths and promoting effective cessation methods.
March 29, 2024 by filtermag.org
Predictable, Avoidable and Harmful: Canada’s Nicotine Pouch Fiasco
Canada's handling of nicotine pouches has been criticized for going against its principles of peace, order, and good government. Health Canada initially discouraged their use but later authorized Zonnic for smoking cessation. Despite proven effectiveness, public health groups criticized Zonnic's marketing towards youth. Politicians have proposed restrictions, with British Columbia limiting sales to pharmacies. The controversy highlights missteps by all parties involved, impacting smokers seeking harm reduction. The push for flavor bans on such products may hinder smoking cessation efforts and encourage illicit markets.
March 13, 2024 by gfn.tv
CANADA'S ZONNIC PANIC | John Oyston explains Canada's Zonnic pouch controversy
Zonnic pouches entered Canada with a bang in 2023 after they were approved as a smoking cessation aid, leading to their widespread availability throughout Canada. To explore why Zonnic has become so controversial, John Oyston joins us for this episode of GFN News where we dissect Zonnic's Canadian debut and the resultant response from Public Health institutions to this novel safer nicotine product.