Snus is currently a highly popular tobacco product that is increasingly replacing traditional cigarettes. And it’s no wonder. It offers many great advantages to smokers, such as pleasant flavours and the convenience of using it anywhere. Although snus has a long history, many people are not familiar with it, which leads to its stigmatization. What should you know before starting to use snus, and why is it an excellent alternative to cigarettes?
Problems associated with cigarettes
Cigarettes can cause a multitude of complications, well-known to almost every smoker. Among their major downsides are their addictive nature and their role in the development of various diseases such as lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and pulmonary emphysema.
The addiction to smoking is a problem faced by countries all over the world. The highest number of smokers can be found in Europe. According to the latest statistics, 34 people per 100,000 inhabitants die from lung cancer there, with the most affected being men aged 50 to 54..
In comparison, Sweden, where smoking is less popular and snus prevails as an alternative, has much lower numbers. According to experts, 14 people per 100,000 inhabitants die from lung cancer.
Is smokeless tobacco less harmful than cigarettes?
Snus is a tobacco product that contains nicotine, but it is a great substitute for traditional cigarettes since it is not carcinogenic. Currently, there is no extensive research, like in the case of cigarettes, suggesting that snus causes lung cancer or cardiovascular diseases.
The fact that snus is less risky is also supported by the research results of the AFP press agency. According to them, since 1991, the number of people dying from cancer in the United States has decreased by one-third. The decrease is attributed to reduced cigarette consumption, as many smokers have turned to a safer alternative in the form of snus.
Limiting smoking, however, is not limited to the United States. It is a global trend resulting from increased awareness of the harmful effects of cigarettes on health.
Regarding the benefits of snus, it is essential to remember that unlike cigarettes, it does not pose any threat to people around you as it does not produce smoke. You can enjoy it calmly even in the presence of children, pregnant women, or older and sick individuals.
Nicotine content in chewing tobacco compared to cigarettes
The nicotine content in chewing tobacco varies, allowing both beginners and experienced users to choose from a wide range of options.
Some believe that chewing tobacco contains less nicotine than cigarettes, but this is not entirely true. In general, snus is stronger. Therefore, it is advisable to start with lower doses to avoid unpleasant side effects, such as dizziness.
Stigmatization of snus
The stigmatization of snus is complex issue influenced by several factors, including cultural, historical, political, and social ones. All of them are closely interconnected and interrelated.
Cultural factors
Cultural factors are often the most prominent when it comes to snus. Several areas significantly influence society’s or a country’s attitude towards this topic.
- Religion and belief – the prevailing religion in a particular country can have a significant impact on snus and its use. If chewing tobacco is considered forbidden or illegal from a religious perspective, it can lead to its stigmatization and subsequently reduced consumption.
- Customs and tradirtions – the same applies to customs and traditions. If snus is considered inappropriate or contrary to cultural customs, it can lead to its stigmatization.
- Access to information – a limited amount of information about snus can lead to hasty and incorrect conclusions, ultimately causing stigmatization and reduced consumption.
Historical factors
Historical background of a given country also influences tobacco products. If there has been a long-standing negative attitude towards snus in a country, it is likely to persist today.
The reason is that our views and attitudes on certain topics are inherited from our ancestors. If they had a negative relationship with chewing tobacco, the new generation is likely to have the same view. However, the opposite is also true. In countries like Sweden, where snus is a common part of families, it will not be seen as negative by the new generations.
Political factors
Within political factors, the biggest problem is legal regulations. Snus is illegal in many countries, which is why consumers, even those from countries where it is permitted, often view it critically.
The illegality casts a negative light on snus and leads people to choose cigarettes instead, which are ultimately worse.
Some countries where snus is banned include Canada, Australia, Brazil, and even many European countries.
In Slovakia, however, snus is freely available.
Social factors
How snus Is perceived can also be significantly influenced by social norms and values prevalent in the country. If the majority of the population considers chewing tobacco inappropriate, unacceptable, or associated with negative effects, there is only a very small likelihood that someone will dare to buy and use it.
A study conducted in France confirmed this fact, revealing that the majority of non-smokers stigmatize smokers, which can lead some individuals to quit smoking. A similar pattern applies to snus.
Social factors are heavily influenced by political ones. If the sale of snus is prohibited in a country, society is likely to view it as something negative.
Snus vs cigarettes – Advantages of Snus
If you are considering replacing cigarettes with chewing tobacco, you are doing the right thing. This alternative brings many benefits, helping you avoid unnecessary health and other complications.
The most significant advantages of snus include:
- Easy to use – using snus is straightforward. Simply take a portion out of the packaging and place it under your upper lip.
- No impact on the surroundings: – being smokeless, snus does not affect people around you and does not cause them health problems.
- Not carcinogenic: – no study has proven snus to be carcinogenic or to cause lung cancer or emphysema.
- Suitable for use anywhere – due to beign smokeless and almost invisible under the lip, you can use snus anywhere – in restaurants, cinemas, cars, buses, or offices.
- Wide variety – there is a wide selection of snus to suit everyone, from beginners to experienced users. You can choose, for example, white dry portion, which does not stain teeth and can be used while driving as you do not need to spit as much. Another popular option is slightly moistened brown original portion, known for releasing flavour and nicotine immediately.
Various flavours – One of the advantages of snus is that it comes in various interesting flavours. If you don’t like the classic one or want a change, you have options like menthol, raspberry, lime, mango, orange, cinnamon, coconut, or chocolate. Some snus products even have flavours enhanced with refreshing icy tones.
