‘Good health policy;’ Alberta’s Smith calls on Ottawa to relax nicotine pouch rules

Mar 2, 2026 | 2:55 PM

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling on Ottawa to walk back its restrictions on nicotine pouches, arguing the rules are a barrier for those trying to quit smoking.

The pouches are sold behind the counter at pharmacies, and only one brand has been authorized for sale by Health Canada.

Smith and one of her ministers say in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney that regular retail stores already sell age-restricted nicotine products and should be allowed to sell the pouches.

The letter says federal policy coincided with growth of an unregulated black market for the pouches, which are tobacco free.

It says that may actually increase youth exposure rather than work to prevent it, like Ottawa aimed to do when it introduced the regulations in 2024.

Smith says her government believes it’s “good health policy” to make smoking cessation products more widely available.

Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel’s office wasn’t immediately able to comment.

An impact assessment done as part of the federal regulations says growing popularity for pouches in the United States could be a factor pushing awareness and interest among Canadian youth.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 2, 2026.

by Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press