'Freedom of choice': Conservatives oppose Ottawa's ban on nicotine pouches from convenience stores

The restrictions, which took effect nearly a month ago, also ban the sales of popular tropical flavours

OTTAWA — The Opposition Conservatives are rejecting the federal government’s decision to restrict the sale of nicotine pouches to pharmacies, saying it makes “little sense” to remove them from small businesses.

Last month, Health Minister Mark Holland announced the new rules banning the sales of nicotine pouches, which in Canada are sold under the brand name Zonnic, from convenience stores, gas stations and online, following concerns about minors accessing them and becoming addicted to nicotine.