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
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.
January 23, 2026 by junonews.com
Health Canada admits half of those who quit smoking used nicotine replacements
Even though new data show that alternatives such as vaping are helping thousands of Canadians stop smoking, the Liberal government continues to maintain strict restrictions on these nicotine replacement products. In 2024, around 300,000 Canadians successfully quit smoking, yet federal rules on many nicotine replacement options remain unchanged.
January 21, 2026 by filtermag.org
Vape Flavor Bans Increase Cigarette Sales in Canada, Too
Banning vape flavors can lead to increased cigarette sales, as shown by a study in Canada. Research demonstrates that restrictions on vape flavors backfire, causing a spike in cigarette purchases. Despite strict tobacco laws, flavor bans have proven counterproductive. Experts highlight the substitution effect between vapes and cigarettes, emphasizing the need for evidence-based public health policies. Advocates urge policymakers to consider the unintended consequences of flavor bans, which can undermine harm reduction efforts and public trust in health authorities. Calls for a science-based approach to regulating nicotine products aim to protect access to safer alternatives and prevent harmful outcomes.
January 16, 2026 by mb.com.ph
Flavour bans linked to higher cigarette sales, growing body of evidence shows
A Canadian study reveals that cigarette sales increased post-vape flavor bans, aligning with prior U.S. observations. Such bans, aimed at reducing youth vaping, could lead to smokers switching back to cigarettes. The study showed a significant drop in flavored vape sales alongside a spike in cigarette sales. This trend underscores the substitution effect between the two products. While bans can impact smoking habits, evidence suggests they may not decrease nicotine consumption. Policymakers must weigh the unintended consequences of flavor restrictions, especially in relation to youth and smoking trends.