Experts say age limits on nicotine pouches, cannabis not a perfect solution for protecting young people
Prince Edward Island's Health Minister Cory Deagle plans to raise the minimum age to buy nicotine pouches and cannabis to 21, but experts say this alone won't be enough to protect young people. Experts argue that additional policies, rules, and regulations are needed to control the substances and prevent youth addiction.
Prince Edward Island is considering raising the minimum age to buy nicotine pouches and cannabis to 21. Currently, nicotine pouches can be bought by anyone over 18, and cannabis can be bought by anyone over 19. Health Minister Cory Deagle says this change would align with existing tobacco and e-cigarette legislation. Experts, including pediatrician Nicholas Chadi, argue that while age is an important factor, it's not the only solution. Chadi says that policies, rules, and regulations around marketing, product verification, and content control are also necessary. The Canadian Cancer Society has been advocating for the minimum age for nicotine pouches to be increased to 21. Rob Cunningham, a senior policy analyst, notes that young people can get hooked on nicotine's addictive properties, and increasing the age limit can help reduce youth addiction. However, neighbouring provinces like Nova Scotia and New Brunswick may still sell nicotine pouches to Islanders under 21. Michael Armstrong, a researcher who helped guide Canada's legalization of cannabis, says that cannabis legislation involves trade-offs between public policy goals and concerns about mental health and illegal market demand.
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