Why More Smokers Are Turning to Native Smokes for Less

With the price of tobacco mounting in Canada, more and more smokers are looking for cheaper options with minimal compromise on quality. One such growing option is Native smokes cigarettes made by Indigenous nations and usually much cheaper. For economic as well as cultural reasons, the products are slowly becoming attractive to Canadian smokers.

In this article we discuss the reasons behind the increasing popularity of Native smokes and what it means for communities and consumers alike.

Why More Smokers Are Kicking the Habit

Afford

The most apparent reason why smokers have started using Native smokes is because of the price. The prices of regular cigarettes in Canada vary from $15 to $20 for every pack due in part to high taxation. Native smokes, however, come at much lower pricesless than half of the price of regular cigarettes in some cases. For regular smokers, the amount of savings can be substantial with the use of Native brands being a viable option during economic crunches.

Availability on Reserves

Numerous Indigenous reserves lawfully sell Native smokes to adult consumers. These are usually purchased in-person at convenience shops or reserve smoke shops where customers can also find other Indigenous-produced goods. Availability is largely reserved for reserve locations, but the consistent demand has ensured these shops are becoming an everyday source for surrounding communities.

Empowerment of Indigenous Economies

Consumers opt for Native smokes in order to support Indigenous economic independence and entrepreneurship. Purchasing Native brands can be one means of directly investing in First Nations communities and businesses and stimulating economic development and self-reliance.

Variety of Products and Quality

The Native Smokes for Less have moved from limited-run small-batch to diversified brands of consistent quality. Examples of renowned Native brands have begun to approach the same smoking experience as found in mainstream brands in terms of strength, taste, and smothness.

5. More Autonomy, Less Government Supervision

Because numerous Native smokes are manufactured and sold on sovereign land, these can potentially be exempt from the same strict laws (like plain packaging laws or health warnings). To some, this raises red flags; to others, it is seen as cultural and commercial independence.

Are Native Smokes Legal?

The legal status of Native smokes in Canada is complicated and commonly misinterpreted. Let’s break it down:

• On-Reserve Sales: Generally lawful if sold to status and non-status people on reserves.
• Off-reserve sales: Regulated and usually banned except where taxation is imposed.
• Production: On-reserve manufacturers of tobacco for on-reserve sales are subject to various frameworks, typically based on treaty rights and self-governance.

What Smokers Should Consider

Before switching to Native smokes, consider the following:

• Buy from on-reserve retailers directly in order to guarantee authenticity and legality.
• Keep abreast of provincial laws on transport and resale.
• Steer clear of black market sales of untaxed Native cigarettes, which can expose one to legal repercussions.

With cigarette prices rising higher and higher in Canada, it’s not surprising to see increasing numbers of smokers looking to Native smokes as an affordable option. Not just less costly, but also a way to support Indigenous communities and practice choice as consumers. That said, as with tobacco of any kind, it’s important to be informed, purchase legally, and also consider the general health and legal concerns.