Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition on behalf of small businesses, including convenience stores, asking to remove restrictions on the sale of nicotine pouches. Many adult Canadians make use of nicotine pouches to help them quit other tobacco products by relieving cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Only allowing pharmacies to sell the product from behind a counter takes away the freedom to choose where and how adults can access such products. Small businesses have a track record of selling age-restricted products, including nicotine replacement therapies.
The petitioners call on the Minister of Health to remove the restriction, and they would like to remind the government that in British Columbia, hard drugs are legalized, but they will not let convenience stores sell a nicotine pouch.