Zonnic, Velo, ZYN: What are Nicotine Pouches?

The way people consume nicotine is shifting. Gone are the days when choices were limited to cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or patches. Enter nicotine pouches – the discreet, spit-free, tobacco-free products exploding in popularity globally. In Canada, names like Zonnic have entered public discourse amidst regulatory firestorms, while international giants like ZYN (Swedish Match) and VELO (British American Tobacco) dominate conversations elsewhere. But what exactly are these pouches, how do they differ, and why is accessing something like ZYN in Canada so complicated? Let's break it down. 

Nicotine pouches are small, teabag-like packets containing:

1. Pharmaceutical-grade nicotine (either derived from tobacco plants or synthetically produced)
2. Fillers (like plant fibers or cellulose for structure)
3. Stabilizers and pH adjusters (e.g., sodium carbonate)
4. Food-grade flavourings
5. Sweeteners (e.g., sucralose)

How they work: Place the pouch between your gum and upper lip. Nicotine and flavour absorb through the oral mucosa into the bloodstream. No chewing, spitting, smoke, or vapor is involved. Effects are felt within minutes and last 30-60 minutes per pouch.

Unlike snus (which contains ground tobacco), nicotine pouches are 100% tobacco-leaf-free. They're also distinct from lozenges or gum in delivery format and experience.

The Canadian Contender: Zonnic

Zonnic, marketed by Imperial Tobacco Canada (a British American Tobacco subsidiary), is currently the only Health Canada authorized nicotine pouch. Approved in October 2023 as a nicotine replacement therapy, its legal status comes with strict conditions:

• Max 4mg nicotine per pouch (roughly equals 3-4 cigarettes)
• Licences for adult smoking cessation - intended for gradual reduction over 6 months

However, Zonnic's initial launch sparked major controversy. Its vibrant packaging and flavours like Tropic Breeze and berry Frost were accused of appealing to youth, leading to a federal crackdown in August of 2024:

• 🚫 Sales restricted to pharmacies only (behind the counter)

• 🚫 All non-mint/menthol flavors banned

• 🚫 Heavy marketing restrictions

Why this matters: If you're in Canada looking for Zonnic, you'll need to visit a pharmacy (like Shoppers Drug Mart or Rexall), ask the pharmacist, and only find mint/menthol options. Convenience stores can no longer sell them.

Global Giants: ZYN vs. VELO (And Why They’re Hard to Find in Canada)

While Zonnic is Canada's sole authorized player, ZYN and VELO dominate internationally. Here's how they compare:

ZYN vs. VELO

Feature	ZYN (Swedish Match)	VELO (BAT) / VELO Plus
Nicotine Strengths	3mg, 6mg	4mg, 7mg (VELO); 6mg, 9mg (VELO Plus)
Pouch Format	Dry, mini/slim	Moist, slim (faster release)
Flavors	Mint-focused (Cool Mint, Spearmint), 2 unflavored options	Fruit-forward (Dragon Fruit, Black Cherry), mint, coffee
Key Difference	Tobacco-derived nicotine salts	VELO Plus uses synthetic nicotine
Price (USD)	~$4.99-$5.59/can	~$3.35-$4.50/can
Pouches/Can	15	20 (VELO); 20 (VELO Plus)

 

Why aren't ZYN/VELO legally sold in Canada?

• Health Canada hasn't authorized them as Nicotine Replacement Therapies.
• ZYN was explicitly recalled in June 2024 for lacking market authorization.
• Importing them is restricted (max 4mg nicotine allowed)

The Regulator Storm: Canada's Nicotine Pouch Crackdown

Canada's approach has shifted dramatically from late 2023 to 2025:

The core debate:

Health advocates argue pouches were marketed recreationally to youth, risking addiction.

Industry/retailers argue the restrictions are fueling a dangerous illicit market and limiting adult access to reduced-harm alternatives.

Table: Canadian Nicotine Pouch Regulation Timeline

Oct 2023	Zonnic approved as first NRT pouch. Sold widely in convenience stores.
Feb 2024	BC restricts sales to pharmacies; Quebec follows.
June 2024	Health Canada recalls unauthorized ZYN products.
Aug 2024	Federal rules: Pharmacy-only sales, mint/menthol only, strict packaging.
Oct 2024	Convenience store chains sue government over rules.
Apr 2025	Conservative Party vows to reverse rules if elected.

Beyond Nicotine Pouches: The DIY "E-Juice Pouches"

While Zonnic, ZYN, and VELO come pre-filled, another niche category exists: unflavoured pouches you fill yourself with e-liquid. These work similarly:

1. Buy empty pouches
2. Add a few drops of nicotine salt e-liquid (freebase e-juice isn't ideal for oral absorption).
3. Place in mouth as usual.

Pros:

• Customizable nicotine strength and flavour
• Cost-effective for heavy users

Cons:

• Can be messy and imprecise

 

Health Implications of Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine pouches are less harmful than smoking since they avoid combustion and tobacco-specific toxins. However, risks remain:

⚠️ Nicotine is highly addictive and alters adolescent brain development.

⚠️ Long-term use may cause gum recession or mouth lesions.

Health Canada and the Council of Chief Medical Officers stress that vaping products and nicotine pouches are not approved cessation aids and instruct Canadians needing support to seek therapies in the form of medication or approved cessation aids.

How to Access Pouches Responsibly in Canada

1. For cessation: Talk to a pharmacist about Zonnic (mint/menthol only). Confirm it's part of a structured quit plan.
2. Avoid illicit imports: Unregulated pouches may contain unsafe nicotine levels or contaminants.
3. Never share with minors: Pouches are for adults 18+/19+ (depending on province).
4. Check Zonnic's store locator to see local availability.

Final Thought: Knowledge is Power

Nicotine pouches like Zonnic, ZYN, and VELO represent a complex intersection of public health, commerce, and personal freedom. While they offer smokers a less harmful alternative, their appeal to youth and regulatory turbulence in Canada underscore the need for cautious, informed use. 

The regulatory battle isn't over. With a federal election looming, the Conservative Party promises to reverse pharmacy-only sales, arguing adults deserve legal access to alternatives. Meanwhile, Health Minister Mark Holland warns tobacco companies against exploiting "loopholes".

The pouch landscape will keep evolving – stay informed, stay critical, and prioritize your health above all. 

Have questions about nicotine pouches? Share them in the comments!