Consumer Advocacy Group Launches During National Non-Smoking Week
Canadian consumer advocacy group I Want My Pouches announced its launch during National Non-Smoking Week, calling for more direct, consistent, and accessible access to nicotine pouches for adult consumers.
Organization Raises Concerns Over Retail Access Framework
The group stated that while National Non-Smoking Week emphasizes smoking cessation, current retail regulations create uneven access between combustible tobacco products and non-combustible nicotine alternatives. Cigarettes remain widely available through multiple retail channels, while nicotine pouches are generally limited to behind-the-counter sales in pharmacies.
National Survey Indicates Support for Broader Retail Availability
I Want My Pouches cited findings from a Canada-wide Léger survey of 1,523 adults. According to the survey. 73% of respondents believe smoking cessation aids should be available in the same retail locations as cigarettes, including convenience stores and grocery outlets. Among smokers, support increased to 79%.
The survey also found that 61% of respondents oppose restricting nicotine pouch sales exclusively to pharmacies, with opposition rising to 75% among smokers.
Founder Emphasizes Consumer Experience and Harm Reduction Considerations
TJ Peric, founder and spokesperson for I Want My Pouches and a Canadian Royal Navy veteran, stated that nicotine pouches contributed to his smoking cessation efforts but described the current purchasing process as unnecessarily complex. He argued that access to smoke-free alternatives should not be more restrictive than access to combustible tobacco products.
Peric added that the organization intends to collect and present feedback from adult consumers through social media channels as part of its broader policy engagement and public awareness activities.
