Is snus harmful? Consequences & legality explained

Snus is a smokeless tobacco product that originated in Scandinavia and has been consumed there for centuries. It is placed in small pouches under the upper lip so that the nicotine is slowly absorbed by the body. In recent years, snus has gained international popularity, especially among people looking for an alternative to smoking.

But snus is controversial, especially in countries like Germany. Many people ask themselves: Is snus really less harmful than cigarettes? Is it legal in Germany? And what health consequences can its consumption have? In this blog, we answer these questions and give you a comprehensive overview of the risks and regulations surrounding snus.

How is snus used?

Snus consumption is relatively simple: the pouch is placed directly under the upper lip, where it remains for around 15 to 60 minutes. Some users also prefer to place the loose tobacco without the pouch, but this is somewhat more challenging to handle.

Difference to other nicotine products

Unlike cigarettes, snus does not produce smoke, which means that no harmful substances such as tar and carbon monoxide are released. This makes snus attractive to many people who want to avoid the health risks of smoking. However, snus is not the same as nicotine pouches, which are often advertised as a smoke-free alternative. Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco, only nicotine and other additives, which makes them a "safer" option in many countries.

Snus is therefore somewhere between cigarettes and modern nicotine products, which makes it a controversial choice for people who do not want to give up nicotine but also do not want to smoke.

Is snus dangerous? An overview of the health risks

Snus is often advertised as a less harmful alternative to smoking, but its consumption is not entirely without risks. There are a number of health hazards associated with snus, especially if it is consumed regularly and over long periods of time.

1. effects on teeth and gums

Snus can cause considerable Damage to the oral cavity cause. Regular placement of the pouch under the upper lip often leads to gum recession and inflammation. The gums that come into contact with snus can recede, exposing the necks of the teeth and making them more sensitive. Tobacco can also cause discolouration of the teeth and increase the risk of tooth decay, as sugar and other ingredients can affect dental health.

2. cardiovascular risks

Although snus is not smoked, the nicotine it contains remains a potential danger to the cardiovascular system. Nicotine raises blood pressure and can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown that long-term consumption of snus can be associated with an increased mortality rate from cardiovascular disease. Even though it may be less risky than smoking, snus still harbours significant health risks.

3. comparison with smoking and other nicotine alternatives

Compared to cigarettes, snus does not contain combustion products such as tar or carbon monoxide, which reduces some health risks. However, this does not mean that snus is harmless. While smoking primarily damages the lungs, snus affects the mouth and throat as well as the cardiovascular system.

Compared to modern nicotine pouches, which do not contain tobacco and are therefore potentially less harmful to health, snus is also inferior. Nicotine pouches deliver nicotine without the additional harmful substances contained in tobacco. Anyone looking for a nicotine alternative that harbours fewer risks could therefore be better advised to use nicotine pouches.

Legal situation: Is snus legal in Germany?

The legal situation for snus in Germany and Europe is clearly regulated, but still confusing for many. Although snus is very common in Scandinavia, the regulations in other European countries, especially in Germany, are much stricter.

1. is snus legal in Germany?

In Germany, the sale of classic snus, i.e. snus that actually contains tobacco, is prohibited. This regulation is based on the EU Tobacco Directive, which prohibits the sale of oral tobacco (except chewing tobacco) in most EU countries. Sweden is an exception here, as it was able to negotiate a special regulation when it joined the EU that allows the country to continue selling snus.

This means that the sale and distribution of traditional snus is illegal in Germany. However, possession and consumption are not prohibited. It is therefore legal to use snus as long as it is imported from abroad for personal use. However, importing large quantities or reselling is a criminal offence.

2. differences between classic snus and modern nicotine pouches

In recent years, modern nicotine pouches, also known as "nicotine pouches", have established themselves as an alternative to classic snus. These pouches do not contain tobacco, but only nicotine and other ingredients. As they do not contain tobacco, they do not fall under the EU-wide ban on snus and are therefore legally available in Germany and many other European countries.

These nicotine pouches are often advertised as a less harmful alternative to snus and cigarettes, as they do not contain any carcinogenic ingredients. Nevertheless, caution is still required here, as the nicotine they contain can still be addictive and harbour health risks.

Consequences of snus consumption: Short and long-term effects

The consumption of snus can have both short-term and long-term health effects. These depend heavily on whether snus is used occasionally or regularly. While one-time consumption usually has only limited effects, regular and long-term use can pose serious health risks.

1. short-term effects of snus consumption

When snus is consumed once, the effects are often mild and temporary. These include:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Nicotine has a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system, which can lead to a short-term increase in blood pressure and a faster heart rate.
• Dizziness and nausea: Snus can cause dizziness and nausea, especially in newcomers, as the body may not be used to the nicotine dose.
• Dry mouth and slight irritation in the mouth area: The contact of snus with the oral mucosa can lead to short-term dryness and an unpleasant feeling.

These effects usually subside quickly and are rarely dangerous for healthy adults. However, these short-term reactions are a sign of how strongly snus can affect the cardiovascular system and mucous membranes.

2. long-term effects of regular consumption

Regular use of snus has more serious and lasting health consequences:

• Damage to teeth and gums: Repeated contact of snus with the gums can lead to recession and inflammation. The risk of tooth decay and tooth loss increases considerably due to constant contact with tobacco and additives.
• Increased risk of oral cavity cancer: Even though snus contains fewer harmful substances than cigarettes, the risk of developing oral cavity cancer remains increased. Mucous membranes and tissues that regularly come into contact with snus are particularly affected.
• Cardiovascular diseases: Long-term snus consumption can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This is because nicotine has a lasting effect on blood pressure and heart rate and therefore puts a strain on the cardiovascular system.
• Nikotinabhängigkeit: Regular consumption often leads to dependence, as the body becomes accustomed to the continuous supply of nicotine. This dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, concentration problems and sleep problems when consumption is reduced or stopped.

3. differences between one-off and regular consumption

While a single use usually only causes mild and temporary symptoms such as dizziness or palpitations, regular use has serious and long-term consequences. The damage to the oral cavity and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer are particularly problematic.

Conclusion: Snus - A less harmful alternative or risky nicotine product?

At first glance, snus may seem like a less dangerous alternative to smoking, but its consumption is not entirely without risks. The health effects, especially with regular use, are considerable. From gum and tooth damage to cardiovascular risks and an increased risk of cancer - the consequences can be serious. In addition, although possession is permitted in Germany, sale is illegal, which makes access more difficult and brings with it legal uncertainties.

Are there healthier Alternativen to snus?

Anyone looking for an alternative to cigarettes or snus can fall back on modern nicotine pouches. These are legally available in Germany and contain no tobacco, just nicotine and flavourings. As they do not contain the carcinogenic components of tobacco, they are considered potentially less harmful. Nevertheless, caution is still required here, as nicotine is still addictive and harbours health risks.

In the end, the decision remains individual, but it is important to be fully informed about the risks and to make more conscious decisions in order to protect your own health in the best possible way.