Read articles from Canada

September 25, 2025 by nbmediacoop.org

Michael, a 32-year-old construction worker from Saint John, struggled with smoking until finding success with nicotine pouches. Despite their effectiveness, Canadian regulations restricting access to them caused inconvenience and hindered efforts to quit smoking. Michael argues that limiting safer alternatives like pouches disproportionately affects working-class individuals and perpetuates addiction rather than promoting public health. He highlights the importance of supporting harm reduction strategies in reducing smoking-related health issues. Michael calls on MPs to overturn the ban on nicotine pouches, emphasizing the need for sensible health policies that prioritize people's well-being over moral judgments.

September 22, 2025 by cbc.ca

Local health officials are concerned about the increasing trend of teen vaping, with some young people even turning to cigarettes to curb their high-potency nicotine addiction. Issues of vaping on school premises are widespread, with many students facing warnings and fines. The deceptive marketing of vapes, coupled with the high nicotine content, poses risks of addiction and health problems. Efforts are being made to combat youth vaping rates through education, enforcement, and regulation. It is crucial for parents to educate their children early on the dangers of vaping. The complex intervention approach involves multiple strategies to address the issue effectively. Despite regulations, online sales of vapes and discreet product designs remain challenges for enforcement.

September 22, 2025 by cbc.ca

Local health officials are concerned about the increasing trend of teen vaping, with some young people even turning to cigarettes to curb their high-potency nicotine addiction. Issues of vaping on school premises are widespread, with many students facing warnings and fines. The deceptive marketing of vapes, coupled with the high nicotine content, poses risks of addiction and health problems. Efforts are being made to combat youth vaping rates through education, enforcement, and regulation. It is crucial for parents to educate their children early on the dangers of vaping. The complex intervention approach involves multiple strategies to address the issue effectively. Despite regulations, online sales of vapes and discreet product designs remain challenges for enforcement.

September 18, 2025 by nationalpost.com

Health Canada is conducting its third review of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA), but critics argue the current approach to nicotine regulation is failing. Smoking in Canada remains at 11.4% in 2023, decreasing too slowly compared to Sweden’s 5%, achieved through promoting harm reduction tools like snus and nicotine pouches, which are far less harmful than cigarettes. Instead of higher taxes or bans, experts suggest amending the TVPA to encourage harm reduction products.

August 28, 2025 by cbc.ca

Caffeine pouches, popular among young people, can contain high levels of caffeine, reaching 200mg. These small packets resemble nicotine pouches and are placed between the lip and gums for quick absorption. Health professionals warn that excessive use can lead to health risks, including rapid heart rate and dependence. Companies selling these products deny targeting minors and claim to adhere to restrictions set by Health Canada. Experts stress the importance of limiting caffeine intake, with pediatricians advising a maximum of 200mg per day. Concerns also arise about potential long-term health effects, such as addiction and sleep problems. Regulations and clear health warnings on these products are recommended.

August 28, 2025 by cbc.ca

Caffeine pouches, popular among young people, can contain high levels of caffeine, reaching 200mg. These small packets resemble nicotine pouches and are placed between the lip and gums for quick absorption. Health professionals warn that excessive use can lead to health risks, including rapid heart rate and dependence. Companies selling these products deny targeting minors and claim to adhere to restrictions set by Health Canada. Experts stress the importance of limiting caffeine intake, with pediatricians advising a maximum of 200mg per day. Concerns also arise about potential long-term health effects, such as addiction and sleep problems. Regulations and clear health warnings on these products are recommended.

August 25, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

A new guideline published in CMAJ provides effective options for quitting tobacco smoking, a leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada. The guideline includes behavioral and medication choices as well as a natural health product, tailored to personal preferences. It aims to address the challenges of quitting smoking, which is highly addictive and increases the risk of various diseases. Clinicians are advised to assess patients' smoking status and offer recommended cessation options through shared decision-making. The guideline recommends against certain smoking cessation methods and suggests using e-cigarettes only as a last resort. Overall, the guideline supports efforts to reduce smoking prevalence and offers practical tools for clinicians to assist patients in quitting smoking effectively.

August 25, 2025 by cmaj.ca

Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada. The objective of this Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care guideline is to provide primary care providers with evidence-based recommendations on smoking cessation options for nonpregnant adults aged 18 years or older who smoke tobacco cigarettes.

August 25, 2025 by cbc.ca

A new Canadian guideline advises against using e-cigarettes or vapes as a first choice to quit smoking, recommending proven methods like medications and counseling instead. Despite declining smoking rates, tobacco remains a top cause of preventable cancer deaths. The guideline highlights the risks of vaping, citing lack of long-term safety data and stresses the effectiveness of nicotine replacements like patches. It discourages alternative treatments and notes the need for further research, including on the efficacy of AI-based therapy. Overall, quitting smoking is challenging but achievable with the right support and strategies.

August 25, 2025 by cbc.ca

A new Canadian guideline advises against using e-cigarettes or vapes as a first choice to quit smoking, recommending proven methods like medications and counseling instead. Despite declining smoking rates, tobacco remains a top cause of preventable cancer deaths. The guideline highlights the risks of vaping, citing lack of long-term safety data and stresses the effectiveness of nicotine replacements like patches. It discourages alternative treatments and notes the need for further research, including on the efficacy of AI-based therapy. Overall, quitting smoking is challenging but achievable with the right support and strategies.