New Resources for Pharmacists and Consumers on Nicotine Pouches
With the rapid rise of nicotine pouches in Canada and limited public awareness of their risks, two new evidence-informed resources are now available to help close the gap, one designed for pharmacists and one for consumers.
Developed by the University of British Columbia’s Dr. Laura Struik (PhD, RN) and her team, these brochures respond to the lack of clear, accessible information about oral nicotine pouches and their health impacts. Each resource is available for digital or print use.
A Consumer’s Guide to Oral Nicotine Pouches (PDF) Digital | Print-friendly
A Pharmacist’s Guide to Oral Nicotine Pouches (PDF) Digital | Print-friendly
Why This Matters
Nicotine pouches are being marketed as a cleaner, safer alternative to smoking, but the reality is far more complicated. These products contain high concentrations of nicotine salts, synthetic additives, and in many cases, carcinogenic chemicals that aren’t listed on the label. They’ve also been linked to various health effects, from increased heart rate and blood pressure to oral lesions and gum disease.
In Canada, oral nicotine pouches can only be sold in pharmacies, and currently, there are no age restrictions. That means pharmacists play a critical role in identifying and addressing use among youth. The pharmacist-specific resource offers detailed information about product contents and health risks to support patient conversations.
The consumer resource helps people better understand what these products are, how they compare to other nicotine products and Nicotine Replacement Therapies, and what quitting can do for their health.
We encourage pharmacists, healthcare providers, and community organizations to share these widely.
