A growing number of Canadians are turning to fruit-flavoured cannabis pouches, which are now being sold at cannabis stores.
Meanwhile, nicotine pouches in Canada remain restricted to pharmacies and come only in mint, menthol, or flavourless varieties.
Undercover video obtained by the Western Standard shows just how easy it is to buy fruit-flavoured cannabis pouches.
An undercover reporter visited two licenced cannabis stores and asked for the cannabis pouches similar to nicotine pouches.
One of the store’s employee’s said the “Zyn-type things.”
Referencing the Zyn nicotine pouches, which are not licenced to be sold in Canada.
Zonnic is the only Health Canada licenced nicotine pouch for sale legally in Canada.
In both cases, the stores had several fruity flavours in stock, including citrus, honeydew, and even berry blends.
Store employees displayed a range of cannabis pouches, all in small packages designed for discreet consumption.
Each pouch is placed between the cheek and gum, where it delivers cannabinoids orally.
According to producers, effects can kick in within 10 to 15 minutes and usually last up to an hour or so for a single pouch.
While the fruity flavours seem to draw in many customers, nicotine pouches have not seen the same treatment.
Canadian regulations restrict the sale of nicotine pouches to pharmacies, and only in mint, menthol, or plain.
This stark contrast highlights how cannabis products may be more accessible and come in a wider range of tastes, even though both are meant to be alternatives to smoking.
In Canada, producers like Sensi Brands and The Good Shroom have expanded their distribution.
Meanwhile, nicotine pouch options are far more limited.
A quick scan of most pharmacy shelves reveals nothing but mint, menthol, or unflavoured versions.
Some smokers interested in switching find these options unappealing, while fruit fans flock to the cannabis market.
The undercover video footage, combined with reports from store employees, shows the easy availability of fruit-flavoured cannabis pouches.
As regulations continue to evolve, Canada could see even more cannabis fruit-flavoured pouches hit the shelves, while nicotine pouch users are given a smaller set of choices in pharmacies.
