Products
Snus is traditionally produced and consumed in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries. It was invented at the beginning of the 19th century. Now it is also used in many other European countries and in many countries. The ban on its sale was lifted in many countries in 2019 due to a federal court ruling.
Ingredients
These are bulk products or small pouches of crushed tobacco leaves that contain excipients such as water, salts (sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate), humectants (glycerol, propylene glycol), and flavorings. The sodium hydrogen carbonate is used to set a slightly basic pH of about 8, at which the nicotine is better absorbed as a free base. This is a similar principle to that of crack (cocaine, freebase), for example.
Effects
The effects are mainly due to the alkaloid nicotine, which is released from tobacco and absorbed into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa, reaching the central nervous system. Nicotine has, among other things, psychotropic, relaxing, anxiety-relieving and stimulating properties. It promotes alertness and concentration. According to the literature, a comparable or higher amount of nicotine is released from snus than from smoking.
Indications for use
Snus is consumed primarily as a stimulant and stimulant. Comparable to other oral nicotine products, it is also used for smoking cessation or as an alternative to smoking. However, it is controversial whether snus actually helps people quit smoking.
Dosage
Snus is placed between the mucous membrane of the mouth and the upper lip and kept there between 15 minutes to 12 hours. In this way, the tobacco does not mix with saliva and there is no need to spit continuously. Some users “snort” like chain smokers throughout the day.
Precautions
- Hypersensitivity
- Pregnancy and lactation
Full precautions can be found in the Drug Precautions for Nicotine Replacement Products.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include bad breath, discoloration and disease of the teeth and gums, mucosal disease, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, hiccups, a rapid pulse, high blood pressure, and rarely cardiovascular disorders. Snus, like other tobacco products, can lead to addiction. Whether it causes serious diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease is controversial. From our point of view, consumption is not recommended due to possible health risks.
