If you’ve been into any corner store lately you might have seen a new item in the nicotine section. A small circular container in a range of vibrant colors. With enticing flavour names on the front. These are Snus. The latest trend that is being touted as the healthier alternative to vaping and smoking. But is Snus all it’s cracked up to be? Or is the rise of Snus a cause for major concern?
What Is Snus
Snus originated in Sweden way back in the 16th century. Small pouches that were filled with tobacco. Designed to be a smokeless alternative to tobacco consumption. They are placed on the gums of the upper mouth. This allows the nicotine to be absorbed into the body through the gums. Providing an often intense and quick hit of nicotine.
Modern Snus, especially the variants available outside of Sweden, don’t use pure tobacco anymore. Instead they are pouches that have been imbued with nicotine and other flavourings. Technically the version of Snus available in most shops in the US and other EU nations are called Nicotine Pouches. But they serve the exact same function as traditional Snus.
Modern Snus comes in a wide variety of strengths and flavours. They often employ a dot system to indicate strength. One to two dots is a weak option. Whereas some brands can go up to ten dots. Nicotine Pouches, when they first hit the US, were seen as an amazing alternative option for nicotine addicts. A great way to help people eventually quit nicotine altogether. But is this actually the case?
The Snus Craze
Snus has very quickly taken over in the same way vapes did when they first hit the market. Everywhere you go you will see hundreds of Snus brands offering up a lavish selection. And experts are starting to claim that Snus might not be the miracle nicotine alternative people think it is.
Now we should note that they do seem to still be a preferable alternative to smoking cigarettes. They contain up to 99% less harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes. But this doesn’t mean they are free from risk. In fact studies have shown that they may open you up to a higher risk of gum damage and certain types of cancer.
The main issue with Snus is how addictive they are. They suffer from the same issue that vapes did which is the attractive marketing and flavour choices available to consumers. And because they are so discreet and easy to use it is encouraging people to consume far more nicotine than they normally would. While vapes and cigarettes can’t be used in a number of locations, Nicotine Pouches have no such restriction. People can enjoy them in cinemas or on a flight. And this means that Snus users are likely getting far more nicotine in their system than they ever did with smoking.
Snus Vs Vapes
Vapes were first introduced as a tool to help people quit smoking. E-cigarettes, the progenitor to vapes, were simple tools that delivered a hit of nicotine and nothing more. It didn’t take long for vaping to advance and it is now the massive industry we see today. And there have been some concerns around vaping being addictive. Yet it still stands as the best choice for those looking to quit smoking.
You can get nicotine free Snus. But only online and options are limited. Whereas vape liquids and vaporisers are so widespread now that it is easy to get nicotine free options. Vaping is also a cheaper alternative than both smoking and Snus. The fact that you can find vape wholesale at sites like The Vapor Supplier and LA Vapor Inc for ridiculously cheap prices is a testament to this. And nearly every wholesaler also offers a wide range of nicotine free options. Whereas many Snus brands don’t.
Vaping also has more limitations that stop people consuming as much nicotine. Vapes are reliant on battery power, having a constant supply of e-liquid, and maintaining the coils. This is assuming you are using a normal vaporiser and not a disposable one. Much like Snus, disposable vapes have been coming under fire for being extremely unhealthy and bad for the environment.
Enticing Non-Smokers
One of the biggest issues with Snus is that it is attracting a lot of people who have never smoked before. Vaping is less enticing as it still involves inhaling something. And people who have never smoked are often hesitant to do this. Whereas Snus is easy to use and often extremely tasty too. Flavoring is at the heart of the issues surrounding Snus. If the pouches weren’t designed to be so delicious they would be a good alternative to smoking. But when you pair the flavor with the amazing nicotine rush these pouches provide, it is no surprise that more people are incorporating them into their daily lives.