Updated May 23, 2026 · 11 min read · Reviewed by the CanadaCigs research team
TL;DR
Health Canada banned the sale of menthol cigarettes from commercial retailers in October 2017 under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act. Native menthol cigarettes manufactured on First Nations reserves are still legally available because on-reserve manufacturing falls under federal Aboriginal jurisdiction, not the commercial retail framework targeted by the ban. The most popular native menthol brands in 2026 are Putters Menthol, DK’s Menthol, Sago Menthol, Discount Native Menthol, and Mohawk Menthol.
What is the menthol cigarette ban in Canada?
The federal menthol ban prohibits the sale, manufacture, import, and promotion of menthol-flavoured cigarettes through commercial retail channels in Canada. It was enacted as part of a broader flavoured tobacco regulation framework targeting youth uptake. The ban applies to:
- Commercial menthol cigarettes (Du Maurier, Player’s, Belmont, Number 7 menthol variants)
- Menthol cigarillos and little cigars
- Menthol flavour cartridges or capsules in cigarettes
- Menthol filter add-ons sold for the purpose of flavouring cigarettes (in some provinces)
It does not apply to:
- Menthol cigarettes manufactured under First Nations jurisdiction on reserves
- Menthol pipe tobacco and roll-your-own (RYO) menthol leaf
- Menthol e-cigarettes / vape liquids (regulated separately under the TVPA)
- Mentholated nicotine pouches
When did Canada ban menthol cigarettes?
Federally, menthol cigarettes were banned from commercial sale effective October 2, 2017. Several provinces preceded the federal ban:
| Province | Provincial menthol ban | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | May 31, 2015 | First province to ban |
| Alberta | September 30, 2015 | Part of broader flavour ban |
| New Brunswick | January 1, 2016 | |
| Quebec | August 26, 2016 | Bill 44 |
| Ontario | January 1, 2017 | Smoke-Free Ontario Amendment Act |
| Federal (all provinces) | October 2, 2017 | Tobacco and Vaping Products Act |
Canada was the first country in the world to ban menthol cigarettes nationally — later partially mirrored by the EU (2020), Turkey (2019), Ethiopia (2015), and several US states.
Why were menthol cigarettes banned in Canada?
Health Canada’s stated rationale focused on three factors:
- Youth uptake. Menthol was found to mask the harsh taste of tobacco, making first-time smoking experiences less aversive. Research cited rates of menthol use among youth smokers (29% in some studies) significantly higher than among adult smokers.
- Quit-rate impact. Multiple studies suggested menthol smokers had lower successful quit rates than non-menthol smokers, possibly because menthol’s cooling sensation enables deeper inhalation.
- Public health framing. Menthol was characterized as a “starter flavour” disproportionately affecting younger and lower-income smokers.
Are menthol cigarettes still legal in Canada?
Yes — through three legal channels:
- Native menthol cigarettes manufactured on First Nations reserves under federal Aboriginal jurisdiction
- Menthol pipe tobacco and RYO leaf, which remain unregulated by the cigarette-specific ban
- Menthol-flavoured filter tubes or filter tip add-ons in provinces that did not explicitly ban menthol accessories
Why are native menthol cigarettes exempt from the ban?
The federal menthol ban operates under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, which regulates commercial sale through provincial retail channels. First Nations manufacturers operating on reserve do not fall under provincial retail jurisdiction — their authority to manufacture and sell tobacco derives from federal Aboriginal law (the Indian Act) and First Nations sovereignty over reserve lands.
In practice this means:
- A licensed reserve manufacturer can legally produce menthol cigarettes
- On-reserve retailers can legally sell those cigarettes to any buyer
- Off-reserve possession is governed by provincial possession laws, which generally permit personal-use quantities
For more context, see our complete legal guide to native cigarettes in Canada.
What are the best native menthol cigarette brands in 2026?
Native menthol options have expanded significantly since the 2017 commercial ban. The brands below are the most commonly stocked across licensed online retailers:
| Brand | Style | Menthol strength | Closest commercial equivalent (pre-ban) | Typical price per carton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Putters Menthol | Full flavour | Medium-high | Du Maurier Menthol King | $25–$35 |
| DK’s Menthol | Full flavour | High (bold mint) | Belmont Menthol | $25–$32 |
| Sago Menthol | Light | Medium | Player’s Light Menthol | $22–$30 |
| Discount Native Menthol | Full flavour | Medium | Number 7 Menthol | $18–$25 |
| Mohawk Menthol | Full flavour | High | Du Maurier Menthol | $25–$32 |
| Native Menthol | Light / full flavour | Medium | Player’s Menthol | $20–$28 |
| Seneca Menthol | Full flavour | Medium-high | Belmont King Size | $25–$33 |
How do native menthol cigarettes compare to the old commercial brands?
Putters Menthol vs Du Maurier Menthol King
Putters Menthol uses a similar Virginia/Burley blend with a slightly higher menthol concentration than Du Maurier offered. Former Du Maurier menthol smokers typically report Putters as a close match with marginally cooler throat hit.
DK’s Menthol vs Belmont Menthol
DK’s tends toward a bolder, more aggressive mint profile than Belmont’s smoother menthol. Smokers who liked Belmont’s subtler character may prefer Sago or Mohawk instead.
Sago Menthol vs Player’s Light Menthol
Sago’s Light line is the closest native analog to Player’s Light Menthol — moderate menthol, lighter tobacco body, similar burn characteristics.
Other legal menthol options for cigarette smokers
Menthol filter tubes (for roll-your-own)
Several manufacturers sell pre-mentholated filter tubes designed for use with a cigarette tube injector. Legal in most provinces but being phased out in Quebec and Ontario.
Menthol crush balls / capsules
Sold as standalone capsules that insert into the filter of any cigarette. Legality is provincial — banned in Ontario, Quebec, BC, Alberta; permitted elsewhere.
Menthol pipe tobacco
Pipe tobacco regulation is separate from cigarette tobacco. Menthol pipe blends remain legal nationally.
Menthol e-cigarettes / vape juice
Menthol vape products are legal but regulated under separate TVPA rules.
How do I switch from commercial menthol to native menthol?
- Identify your closest match. Use the comparison table above to pick a native brand that mirrors your pre-ban commercial favourite.
- Start with a single carton. Menthol strength and tobacco profile vary; ordering one carton lets you test before committing.
- Order from a licensed online retailer. Most native cigarette retailers ship across Ontario, Quebec, BC, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan within 2–5 business days.
- Expect a brief adjustment. Native tobacco blends often use less processing than commercial brands.
How much do native menthol cigarettes cost?
| Option | Cost per pack (20 cig) | Cost per carton (200 cig) | Cost per cigarette |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-ban commercial menthol (Du Maurier, Belmont) | $15–$17 (2017 prices) | $130–$150 | $0.65–$0.75 |
| Native menthol (Putters, DK’s, Mohawk) | $2.50–$3.50 | $25–$35 | $0.12–$0.17 |
| Menthol RYO with filter tubes | $2–$3 equivalent | $20–$30 equivalent | $0.10–$0.15 |
The cost difference — typically 70–80% cheaper than pre-ban commercial menthol — is the single largest reason former menthol smokers transition to native brands rather than quitting.
Are native menthol cigarettes healthier than commercial menthol was?
No. Native menthol cigarettes use comparable tobacco blends and produce the same combustion byproducts as the commercial menthol brands banned in 2017. Health risks are equivalent. Smokers considering quitting can access free support through Health Canada’s Quit Smoking resources.
Common mistakes when buying native menthol cigarettes
- Assuming menthol strength is uniform. Brands vary significantly in mint intensity.
- Buying more than your provincial personal-use limit. Most provinces use a 5-carton threshold.
- Choosing the cheapest brand first. Mid-range brands (Putters, DK’s, Sago) generally offer the best price-to-quality ratio.
- Ignoring storage. Menthol cigarettes lose menthol strength over time. Store sealed cartons in a cool, dry place.
- Not checking provincial shipping eligibility. Some retailers don’t ship to Atlantic provinces, Nunavut, or Yukon.
Frequently asked questions
Are menthol cigarettes legal in Canada in 2026?
Commercial menthol cigarettes have been banned from retail sale since October 2, 2017. Native menthol cigarettes — manufactured on First Nations reserves under federal Aboriginal jurisdiction — are still legal.
Why are native menthol cigarettes still sold?
The federal menthol ban operates under provincial retail tobacco frameworks. First Nations manufacturers on reserve fall under federal Aboriginal law (the Indian Act), so the ban does not apply.
What’s the best native menthol cigarette brand?
Putters Menthol is the most widely stocked and consistent — a strong full-flavour menthol comparable to the discontinued Du Maurier Menthol King. DK’s Menthol offers a bolder mint profile.
How much do native menthol cigarettes cost?
Native menthol cigarettes typically cost $25–$35 per carton — roughly 70–80% less than pre-ban commercial menthol brands at $130–$150 per carton.
Can I have menthol filter tubes shipped to me?
Menthol filter tubes for RYO use are legal in most provinces but face increasing restrictions in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.
Did Canada ban all menthol nicotine products?
No. The 2017 ban applied only to menthol cigarettes, cigarillos, and little cigars. Menthol vape liquids, nicotine pouches, pipe tobacco, and native menthol cigarettes remain legal.
Are native menthol cigarettes safer than the menthol brands that were banned?
No. Health risks are equivalent. Native menthol uses the same tobacco blends and produces the same combustion byproducts.
