Home2024-04-25T11:07:22-04:00

There is a lot being said about ZONNIC. We want to give you the facts.

Two hands holding ZONNIC products
18+

Your Questions Answered

Here’s a few things we think you should know about Canada’s newest Nicotine Replacement Therapy and how it can help Canadians quit smoking.

The debate →
Availability →
About nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) →
About ZONNIC →

The debate

How is ZONNIC marketed?

ITCAN’s marketing materials are in compliance with all applicable laws for nicotine replacement therapy products, in addition to ITCAN’s own core marketing guidelines which require that all our advertising materials be targeted at adults only. Our focus is to show that ZONNIC is a smoking cessation product. ZONNIC nicotine pouches are marketed in the same way as other smoking cessation products in Canada, which are available in different flavours and are advertised across different platforms. We are also careful in selecting certain social media platforms which have a predominantly adult audience. In addition, we do not use TIK TOK or influencers to promote our product.

Comparison sheet between ZONNIC packaging and their competitors.
Comparison sheet between ZONNIC social media and their competitors.
Comparison sheet between ZONNIC social media and their competitors.
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Did ITCAN leverage a loophole to get Health Canada to approve ZONNIC?2024-04-24T09:56:18-04:00

No. ZONNIC underwent a two-year assessment process with Health Canada during which the safety and efficacy of ZONNIC as a cessation aid for adults that wish to stop smoking was demonstrated. The actual regulatory framework for natural health products does not currently require a legal minimum age to purchase NRT products. This is why we have implemented our own measures to require ZONNIC to  be stored behind the counter and sold to adults after proper age verification in convenience stores and gas stations. We are also working with our pharmacy partners to ensure that they implement appropriate youth access prevention measures n their stores. All of these youth access prevention measures aim to keep nicotine products out of the hands of youth, which is our top priority. Furthermore, we have recommended that the government update their regulations to add a legal minimum age for purchasing all NRT products. Kids can currently walk into a store and legally buy NRT products. This the real problem.

What is your position on access to nicotine products like ZONNIC nicotine pouches?2024-04-24T09:56:34-04:00

Our position has been consistent and strong on this point. Nicotine products are for adult consumers only. This is why ITCAN would support regulations stating that all forms of NRT should require proof of age before purchase, and be stored at retail in a way that is inaccessible to minors.

Why has a tobacco company launched a smoking cessation product?2024-04-24T09:56:28-04:00

We know that cigarettes pose health risks. ZONNIC is a continuation of our efforts to offer adult Canadians a wide portfolio of less risky alternatives to smoking and helping those who want to quit to do so. ITCAN believes that ZONNIC nicotine pouches along with other reduced-harm products, can help Health Canada achieve its goal of reducing smoking rates to less than five percent by 2035. 

Health Minister Holland seems passionate about ZONNIC, but what about Health Canada?2024-04-24T09:56:24-04:00

ITCAN has had numerous meetings with Health Canada. We’ve remained and continue to remain collaborative. We have raised our concerns with the fact that youth are permitted to purchase cessation products and presented recommendations to Health Canada to help keep nicotine products out of the hands of kids. 

Availability

Where is ZONNIC sold?2024-04-24T09:57:58-04:00

For most of the country, ZONNIC is sold in convenience stores, gas stations and pharmacies, except for Quebec and British-Columbia where it is only available in pharmacies. 

Why use convenience stores and gas station as a sales channel?2024-04-24T09:58:04-04:00

It’s simple. Because that’s where adult smokers buy cigarettes. If we, as a society, are truly serious about decreasing the smoking rate in Canada, we need to offer less harmful products, including nicotine replacement therapy products, in the very places where adult smokers buy cigarettes and not only in pharmacies. If an adult smoker is in a retail outlet and sees ZONNIC, it may prompt them to reconsider their cigarette purchase and opt for an NRT like ZONNIC nicotine pouches instead.

About nicotine replacement therapies (NRT)

Why should smokers use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?2024-04-24T09:55:20-04:00

NRT is a proven method that can help the odds of quitting successfully. It can also help ease physical withdrawal symptoms. 

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/quit-smoking/how.html

What are the benefits of using ZONNIC to help Canadians quit smoking?2024-04-24T09:55:48-04:00

ZONNIC is an NRT. As such, it delivers nicotine to the body, which increases the chances of quitting smoking successfully, whether that be gradually or right away. ZONNIC also helps temporarily control nicotine cravings fast. 

Is ZONNIC a Natural Health Product (NHP)?2024-04-24T09:55:43-04:00

Yes, ZONNIC is a Natural Health Product. We have been authorized for sale by Health Canada and our Natural Health Product Number (NPN) is displayed on the top of our packaging. ZONNIC nicotine pouches are effective, high-quality and are available for purchase without a prescription.

How do ZONNIC pouches compare to other NRT products / formats (i.e., lozenges, gums, sprays, etc.)?2024-04-24T09:55:38-04:00

There are several forms of NRT products available in Canada. Among these, ZONNIC is the only NRT available in pouch format that has been authorized for sale by Health Canada. With ZONNIC, similar to an NRT gum or lozenge, a pouch is an oral products and works by placing behind the upper lip to release the nicotine.

How does ZONNIC compare to cigarettes?2024-04-24T09:55:32-04:00

ZONNIC is a type of NRT that is authorized for sale by Health Canada. It can help you quit smoking by delivering nicotine to your body, temporarily relieving cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms. ZONNIC contains no tobacco and doesn’t produce tar or carbon monoxide, and therefore does not present the same risks as cigarette smoke.

What makes ZONNIC different than other cessation aids?2024-04-24T09:55:28-04:00

There are several forms of NRT products available in Canada. Among these, ZONNIC is the only NRT available in pouch format that has been authorized for sale by Health Canada. With ZONNIC, similar to an NRT gum or lozenge, a pouch is an oral products and works by placing behind the upper lip to release the nicotine. 

Is this product less harmful than cigarettes?2024-04-24T09:55:16-04:00

ZONNIC contains no tobacco and does not produce tar or carbon monoxide, and therefore does not present the same risks as cigarette smoke. ZONNIC provides nicotine as part of an NRT program which increases the chances of quitting smoking successfully.

About ZONNIC

What is ZONNIC?2024-04-24T09:57:11-04:00

ZONNIC nicotine pouches are a new form of NRT and can help you quit smoking immediately or gradually by delivering nicotine to the body, temporarily relieving nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

What can ZONNIC be used for?2024-04-24T09:57:30-04:00

ZONNIC nicotine pouches are a form of NRT. They can be used by those looking to kick their smoking habit, whether that be all at once or gradually.

What do ZONNIC pouches contain?2024-04-24T09:57:26-04:00

ZONNIC pouches are made from high-quality ingredients, including water, plant-based fibres, flavouring, sweeteners, and nicotine. Each ZONNIC pouch contains 4 mg of nicotine.

Is ZONNIC available in different flavours?2024-04-24T09:57:21-04:00

ZONNIC nicotine pouches are available in three flavours: Chill Mint, Berry Frost, Tropic Breeze. We are offering three flavours because we know that flavours are important to adult consumers who are looking to quit smoking. Adult smokers do not want their NRT product to remind them of the tobacco taste of cigarettes.

Where should I go to learn more on ZONNIC?2024-04-24T09:57:17-04:00

We invite you to visit zonnic.ca to find more information.

A few things you should know about Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Here are a few things public health authorities have said
about NRTs and the use of nicotine products.

  • Health Canada Logo

“Using a single form of any NRT can double your chance of successfully quitting and combining a long-acting form of NRT with a short-acting form of NRT nearly triples your chance of successfully quitting.”

– Health Canada

  • World Health Organization Logo

“Nicotine at doses found in products such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can gradually replace the need for nicotine in cigarette smokers while minimizing the exposure of users to the carcinogens and other toxic substances in tobacco smoke.”

– World Health Organization

  • Health Canada Logo

“Nicotine pouches are authorized only to help adults quit smoking.”

– Health Canada

  • Health Canada Logo

“NRT products are the safest way to use nicotine.”

– Health Canada

  • Health Canada Logo

“While quitting all nicotine products is best, prioritizing becoming smoke-free can significantly reduce risks to your health.”

– Health Canada

  • Health Canada Logo

“While there are risks associated with nicotine, such as addiction and/or physical dependence, nicotine itself is not known to cause cancer.”

– Health Canada

There’s more to the story

We’re surprised with the anti-tobacco lobby groups and the Federal Minister of Health’s accusations and inaccuracies about ZONNIC, a legally compliant and Health Canada approved product. We think you deserve to know the whole truth. Read the complete story of ZONNIC.

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the truth on Zonnic

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Zonnic is a form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy for adults 18 years of age and older. This product may not be right for everyone. Users must always read and follow the label.

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