Zonnic in Canada: About Nicotine Pouches and How to Quit Smoking

In late 2023, Zonnic nicotine pouches hit convenience store shelves across Canada. Less than a year later, due to concerns about young people using the product, Health Canada introduced changes that made Zonnic a “behind-the-counter” medicine that could only be sold by a pharmacist.

Since the changes, Zonnic is now harder to find, and many Canadians have questions about where to buy it, how much it costs, and whether nicotine pouches actually help people stop smoking. 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Zonnic nicotine pouches in Canada. In particular, we’ll explore how Zonnic fits into the broader range of treatments and strategies available to people who are trying to stop smoking. 

What Is Zonnic?

Zonnic is a tobacco-free nicotine pouch authorized by Health Canada as a form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). It is the first and only nicotine pouch to receive this authorization in Canada.

Each Zonnic pouch contains 4 mg of nicotine, which is absorbed through the lining of your mouth when placed under your upper lip. Unlike cigarettes or vaping products, Zonnic involves no combustion, no smoke, and no vapour. The pouches are made from plant-based fibres, water, food-grade flavouring, and a small amount of sweetener.

Zonnic is manufactured by Nicoventures Trading Limited (a subsidiary of British American Tobacco) and distributed exclusively in Canada by Imperial Tobacco Canada. It’s classified as a Natural Health Product (NHP) and is intended specifically as a smoking cessation aid for adults.

It’s worth noting that while Zonnic is approved for quitting smoking, some people use nicotine pouches recreationally for perceived benefits like improved focus or alertness. However, nicotine is highly addictive regardless of how it’s delivered, and Health Canada is clear that Zonnic is not intended for non-smokers or recreational use.

How to Use Zonnic

When you buy Zonnic nicotine pouches, the pharmacist will provide usage instructions according to your situation. However, in general, these instructions cover how to use Zonnic:

• Place one pouch under your upper lip, between your gum and cheek, and leave it there for up to 60 minutes. 
• You may notice a mild tingling sensation, which is normal. 
• Swallow your saliva as needed, but don’t chew or swallow the pouch itself. 
• Once you’re finished, remove the pouch and dispose of it in the waste compartment built into the Zonnic can (or somewhere else a child or animal will not be able to easily access it).

The recommended daily usage of Zonnic is 8 to 12 pouches per day, with an absolute maximum of 15 pouches in a 24-hour period. Avoid drinking acidic beverages (like coffee, juice, or soft drinks) or alcohol while using a pouch, as these can reduce nicotine absorption and interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness.

When using Zonnic to quit smoking, the goal is to gradually reduce the number of pouches you use per day over time, or to switch to a lower-strength NRT as your cravings decrease.

Zonnic Flavours

When Zonnic first launched in Canada in late 2023, it was available in three flavours: Chill Mint, Berry Frost, and Tropic Breeze. However, following the August 2024 Health Canada regulations aimed at reducing youth appeal, Berry Frost and Tropic Breeze were recalled.

Today, Zonnic is only available in mint and menthol flavour variants. The current options are subject to availability, but usually include:

• Chill Mint
• Classic Mint
• Peppermint

While the flavour selection in Canada is limited compared to what’s available internationally, the restriction was introduced specifically to discourage recreational use among young people.

Where to Buy Zonnic in Canada

Since August 28, 2024, Zonnic can only be purchased at pharmacies in Canada. It must be kept behind the pharmacy counter, and a pharmacist (or someone working under pharmacist supervision) is required to conduct a brief assessment before each sale. You cannot buy Zonnic at convenience stores, gas stations, or general retail locations.

Major pharmacy chains carry Zonnic, though availability can vary by location. Some online pharmacy platforms also offer Zonnic with delivery, though you’ll still need to go through a pharmacist assessment.

It’s worth noting that this pharmacy-only rule has been politically contentious. The Conservative Party of Canada has stated it would reverse the restriction and allow Zonnic to be sold in convenience stores again, arguing that adult smokers should have easier access to harm reduction products.

How Much Does Zonnic Cost in Canada?

Zonnic is relatively affordable compared to other smoking cessation products. Pricing varies by pharmacy, but you can generally expect to pay between $15 and $30 CAD per month (depending on pack size and your daily usage). 

Zonnic is available in packs of 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 pouches per can. Bulk purchases typically offer better value per pouch.

Some private insurance plans may cover Zonnic as an NRT product. Check with your insurance provider for specific details about your coverage.

Zonnic Side Effects

According to Zonnic’s official risk information authorized by Health Canada, the product is generally well-tolerated, but there are specific side effects and warnings users should be aware of. 

The most common side effect is a tingling or slight burning sensation in the mouth, which usually reduces as you get used to the product. Other possible Zonnic side effects include:

• Hiccups
• Nausea
• Mouth or throat irritation
• Headache

These side effects tend to be mild and are often related to nicotine intake rather than the pouch itself.

When to Stop Using Zonnic

You should stop using Zonnic immediately and seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe headache
• Chest pain
• Cold sweats
• Palpitations
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing. 

These could indicate a serious adverse reaction.

Is Zonnic Safe for Everyone?

Zonnic is not suitable for everyone. You should not use Zonnic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, a non-smoker or occasional smoker, under 18 years of age, or allergic to nicotine. 

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, or stomach conditions, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using Zonnic. You should also avoid using Zonnic at the same time as other nicotine-containing products, like patches, gum, or lozenges.

Zonnic vs Zyn

If you’ve been searching for nicotine pouches in Canada, you’ve probably come across Zyn, which is one of the most popular nicotine pouch brands globally. However, Zyn is not authorized for sale in Canada. In June 2024, Health Canada issued a recall of Zyn products for lacking proper market authorization.

Zonnic is currently the only nicotine pouch legally available in Canada. While Zyn offers a wider range of flavours and nicotine strengths internationally (up to 6 mg or higher), these products don’t meet Health Canada’s requirements and cannot be legally sold or imported. Unauthorized nicotine pouches shipped from outside Canada may be seized at customs, and there’s no guarantee of quality or safety with unregulated products.

Does Zonnic Actually Help You Quit Smoking?

Zonnic and other types of nicotine pouches can help manage nicotine cravings and reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke per day. Many smokers find that the discreet format, rapid craving relief, and oral sensation make pouches easier to stick with than traditional NRTs like patches or gum.

However, it’s important to understand what nicotine pouches can and can’t do. Zonnic delivers nicotine to your body, which helps with withdrawal symptoms, but it doesn’t address the underlying neurochemical addiction. In other words, pouches replace the delivery system without breaking the cycle of nicotine dependence.

Zonnic vs Other Stop Smoking Treatments

The clinical evidence supporting nicotine pouches as a standalone quit-smoking tool is still limited. While pouches can be a useful part of a broader cessation strategy, research shows that prescription medications achieve significantly higher long-term quit rates than NRT products alone. 

The most recent Canadian clinical guidelines for smoking cessation, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, recommend offering patients a “menu of options.” This includes Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT; the category Zonnic falls under), prescription medications, and combined approaches. The guidelines emphasize that all medicinal aids work best when paired with behavioral medical guidance, such as counseling, education, and social support.

Prescription Treatments for Quitting Smoking in Canada

For Canadians who are serious about quitting smoking, prescription medications are often the most effective option supported by clinical evidence. Canadian smoking cessation guidelines recommend two first-line prescription smoking cessation treatments.

Varenicline

Varenicline is widely considered the most effective single medication for quitting smoking. It works by partially activating the same brain receptors that nicotine stimulates, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, varenicline blocks nicotine from fully activating those receptors. Because of this, if you do slip up and smoke a cigarette while taking it, the expected satisfaction and “buzz” are significantly reduced. Clinical trials have shown that varenicline achieves higher quit rates than both NRT and bupropion at the 12-week and one-year marks.

Bupropion (Zyban)

Bupropion (prescribed for smoking cessation under the brand name Zyban, and for depression as Wellbutrin) is an atypical antidepressant that is highly effective at helping people quit smoking. It works by modulating dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. Bupropion is often a good option for people who have experienced depression during past quit attempts or who are concerned about weight gain after quitting.

Combination Therapy

Because varenicline and bupropion work through different mechanisms, combining them (or combining either with NRT) is sometimes appropriate for heavily nicotine-dependent people where a single treatment has failed. A doctor can assess your situation and determine whether combination therapy is appropriate.

Provincial Coverage

Many Canadians don’t realize that provincial drug programs often cover the cost of prescription smoking cessation medications. Programs like Ontario’s ODB, BC PharmaCare, Alberta Health Benefits, and Quebec’s RAMQ provide partial or full coverage for varenicline and bupropion, typically for a 12-week course per year. The key requirement across all provinces is that you need a prescription from a doctor (or in some cases pharmacist) to access this coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zonnic

Can I buy Zonnic online in Canada?

Yes, some online pharmacy platforms offer Zonnic with delivery. However, a pharmacist assessment is still required as part of the purchase process, even for online orders.

Do I need a prescription for Zonnic?

No. Zonnic is classified as a behind-the-counter product, not a prescription medication. You don’t need a doctor’s prescription, but you do need to speak with a pharmacist at the time of purchase.

How long should I use Zonnic?

There’s no strict time limit, but Zonnic is intended as a temporary aid to help you quit smoking, not a long-term nicotine source. Work with your pharmacist or doctor to develop a plan for gradually reducing your use over time.

Can I use Zonnic and nicotine patches together?

No. Zonnic’s labelling specifically advises against combining it with other NRT products. Using multiple nicotine sources simultaneously increases the risk of side effects from excessive nicotine intake.

Is Zonnic safer than smoking?

Zonnic does not involve combustion or tobacco, which eliminates exposure to tar and most of the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. While it is considered significantly less harmful than smoking, it still delivers nicotine, which is addictive. It is not risk-free.

How to Quit Smoking in Canada

Zonnic and other NRT products can play a helpful role in managing cravings, but the evidence is clear that the most effective way to quit smoking is with medical support. A doctor can evaluate your smoking history, recommend the right combination of medication and behavioural strategies, and write the prescriptions needed to access provincially funded treatments.

If you’ve tried quitting on your own, or if you’re using nicotine pouches but haven’t been able to stop completely, it may be time to speak with a doctor about a more comprehensive approach. Virtual consultations make this easy to do from home, without the need to take time off work or sit in a waiting room.

Speak With a Virtual Doctor About Quitting Smoking