Herbal Cigarettes

What are Herbal Cigarettes?

Herbal cigarettes are cigarettes that do not contain tobacco or nicotine. Instead, herbal cigarettes contain natural ingredients (rose petals, marshmallow leaves, red clover flowers etc.) Nevertheless, some manufacturers are marketing these products as smoking cessation aids.

How safe are Herbal Cigarettes?

Health Canada does not recommend using these cigarettes as a long-term alternative to tobacco cigarettes due to the danger posed by the inhalation of smoke of any kind. Very little research has been conducted on the effectiveness of these cigarettes in helping smokers quit. This product does not fall under the Tobacco Act as it does not contain tobacco.

Also, if these cigarettes make therapeutic health claims, they could be considered natural health products and would - like all natural health products - have to be approved by Health Canada for safety, efficacy and quality before they could be sold.

What is Health Canada doing to address Herbal Cigarettes?

Health Canada will be tracking the use and sales of these products to determine the level of use, changes over time and whether any action is required.

Need information on how to quit smoking?

Quitting smoking is the best thing smokers can do to improve their life and health. Former smokers live longer than those who continue to smoke. It's never too late to reap the benefits, some of which happen within the first few days. The health benefits of quitting occur for all types of smokers, men and women, young and old.