Snus and nicotine pouches.

| Read Time: 5 mins | Format: Guide

What is snus?

Okay, so snus is a small pouch of dried tobacco leaves that looks like a tiny teabag. You place it under your lip. You don’t chew. You just leave it there and let the nicotine slowly absorb into your gums. You can’t legally buy snus in the UK, but it is sold in Sweden where people traditionally prefer using snus to smoking cigarettes.

Swedish snus isn’t legal in the UK

So, what are nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are very similar to snus, but there is one big difference. They don’t contain tobacco. This means they can be legally sold online and in supermarkets. Some people call nicotine pouches ‘snus’ because they are so similar. A lot like vapes, you can buy them in different strengths and flavours like mango, cinnamon, cherry, and peppermint.

Nicotine pouches are similar to snus but don’t contain tobacco

Why do people use nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are advertised as a way of quitting smoking. VELO and Nordic Spirit even say you should NOT buy their nicotine pouches if you don’t already smoke or vape. But some people will still try nicotine pouches just to see what they are like. They may start enjoying them over time, but this is probably because they have become addicted and the hit of nicotine gives them relief from the withdrawal symptoms of feeling tired, irritated and restless – which is the same pleasure long-term smokers feel from a cigarette.

You can feel pretty sick if you aren’t used to nicotine

What are the risks?

Nicotine pouches are not risky in the same way as cigarettes, alcohol, or even illegal drugs. You are not going to fatally overdose from a single nicotine pouch, but you could feel sick if you aren’t used to nicotine, particularly if you use a high-strength product. Symptoms of nicotine-sickness include nausea, vomiting, headaches, feeling dizzy and a fast heart rate. But the major risk from nicotine pouches is addiction. You might find that you keep wanting more and you don’t feel right without a pouch. Keeping this habit going costs a lot of money and can be very hard to quit. Plus, you could experience dental problems like receding gums. Lastly, using nicotine when you are young can affect healthy brain development so you may find it harder to manage emotions.

The main thing

If you don’t smoke or vape, then it’s best to avoid nicotine pouches. The main benefits from nicotine will only come once you are addicted and feel the relief from using more of the drug – but who wants to be addicted? If you do start using pouches, though, then keep track of your use to stop a habit taking hold.