Are Menthol Cigarettes Legal in Canada? The 2017 Ban Explained

Are menthol cigarettes legal in Canada? Not as ordinary retail products. Seven provinces banned menthol cigarettes between 2015 and 2017, and the federal government then prohibited menthol additives in cigarettes across the country as of October 2, 2017. Menthol cigarettes have not been legal to sell in regular Canadian stores since then. This guide sets out what the law says, when each ban started, and where menthol native cigarettes fit in. The menthol products Native Nicotine currently lists are on its menthol cigarettes page. For how full flavour, light and menthol differ overall, see the native cigarette strength guide.

Are menthol cigarettes legal in Canada in 2026?

The federal ban that took effect on October 2, 2017 still applies in 2026. It prohibits menthol as an additive in cigarettes, so convenience stores, gas stations and other licensed retailers cannot sell menthol cigarettes anywhere in Canada. The rules are part of the federal tobacco law, now the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, and they sit on top of the provincial bans that came first.

When did each province ban menthol cigarettes?

Several provinces moved before Ottawa did, usually as part of wider bans on flavoured tobacco:

Source: University of Waterloo, Tobacco Use in Canada.

British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the territories were covered by the federal ban from October 2, 2017.

Did the menthol ban work?

Researchers at the University of Waterloo studied smokers before and after the bans. They reported that the Canada-wide ban on menthol cigarettes led to significant increases in quitting among people who had smoked menthol. Other menthol smokers switched to non-menthol brands.

What about menthol native cigarettes?

Some First Nations manufacturers still make menthol cigarettes, and they are sold in smoke shops and online. At Native Nicotine, the menthol options are Canadian Menthol and Pop N’ Smoke Menthol slims. Canadian Menthol costs $5.99 a pack, $49 a carton of 200 and $39 a carton in bulk (10 cartons).

Governments and First Nations disagree on whether federal and provincial tobacco laws apply to cigarettes made and sold under First Nations jurisdiction. Our guide to whether native cigarettes are legal in Canada explains that debate. If you are comparing menthol options, see the best menthol native cigarettes and Canadian Full vs Lights vs Menthol.

Menthol vs mint vs flavoured

Menthol is a compound from mint plants that creates a cooling sensation. Canada’s ban covers menthol as an additive in cigarettes. Federal law already banned most other flavours in cigarettes in 2010, with menthol exempt until 2017, and most provinces ban flavours across tobacco products. That is why flavoured cigarettes such as cherry or grape are not sold in regular stores either.

Frequently asked questions

When were menthol cigarettes banned in Canada?

The federal government prohibited menthol additives in cigarettes across Canada as of October 2, 2017. Seven provinces had already banned them, starting with Nova Scotia on May 31, 2015.

Can you still buy menthol cigarettes in Canada?

Regular retailers such as convenience stores and gas stations cannot sell menthol cigarettes. Some First Nations manufacturers still make menthol native cigarettes, and governments and First Nations disagree on whether federal and provincial tobacco laws apply to them.

Which province banned menthol cigarettes first?

Nova Scotia was first, with a ban that took effect on May 31, 2015. Alberta followed on September 20, 2015.

Is menthol banned in other tobacco products?

Yes. The federal rules also cover menthol in blunt wraps and most cigars, and most provinces ban flavours, including menthol, across tobacco products.