Is snus a drug and does it get you high?

The term Snus refers to a tobacco-containing product from Scandinavia that is intended for oral use. It is already widespread among athletes and sportspeople, as they hope it will lead to faster reaction times and reduced nervousness.

In this article, we want to take a closer look at the ingredients and effects of Snus and reveal whether Snus can be classified as a drug.

What ingredients are in Snus?

Snus has consisted for decades of ground tobacco, salt, various flavors, and water. Traditionally, Snus is sold loose, such as with the oldest variety Ettan Snus. Nowadays, Snus is also available in convenient Nicotine Pouches made from cellulose. These are also placed under the upper lip during use and release their effects there.

The nicotine content of Snus varies depending on the variety; strong types can contain up to 45 mg/g of nicotine, while mild ones average 5 to 10 mg/g. There are also varieties completely free of nicotine. However, there are very concerning products, mostly from the East, with nicotine levels over 100 mg/g that pose risks to consumers. Snushus strictly rejects such products and explicitly warns consumers against them.

A special type of Snus is the increasingly popular All White Pouches in recent years, such as products from the brands VELO and edel. These contain nicotine but are completely tobacco-free and do not stain the teeth.

The effects of Snus

In the mouth, the ground tobacco is moistened by saliva, and through the mucous membranes, nicotine enters the bloodstream and eventually the brain. Nicotine increases the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers positive feelings in the body.

Because of this effect of Snus on the body, it is often used by athletes as a stimulant. Snus can temporarily reduce negative emotions while simultaneously boosting adrenaline production. Snus and nicotine are currently not on the list of banned stimulants in sports and can still be used by athletes.

Harmfulness of Snus

Since almost all types of Snus contain nicotine, Snus can be addictive. Not much is yet known about the damage Snus causes. However, Snus is often associated with gum recession, oral inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and increased cancer risk in the mouth and pancreas. Scientific evidence for these consequences is still limited.

With excessive Snus use, especially first-time users risk nicotine poisoning. Therefore, Snus should always be used in moderation, and people trying Snus for the first time should start with a low nicotine content.

Legality of Snus in Europe

In Europe, with a few exceptions, the sale of Snus is still banned, but its use is not prohibited. In its country of origin, Sweden, Snus can be legally sold and is more widespread than cigarettes. Besides Sweden and Norway, Switzerland is the only other European country that has legalized the sale of Snus.

Since May 2019, Snus can be legally sold and used in Switzerland. Switzerland chose this step because the health risks of Snus are much lower compared to cigarettes. In the future, other countries may also allow its sale following Switzerland’s example.

Conclusion: Is Snus a drug and does it get you high?

By definition, drugs are substances that cause changes in consciousness and can lead to addiction. Since Snus contains high amounts of nicotine depending on the variety, regular use can lead to dependence. Because its use triggers a feeling of euphoria, it can be said that Snus does get you high.

Despite the potential for addiction, Snus remains a less harmful alternative to cigarettes. Snus use does not involve combustion, and fewer toxic substances are absorbed compared to smoking. Additionally, it eliminates the risk of passive smoking and is better for the environment since Nicotine Pouches are biodegradable.