SNUS (moist powder tobacco) is placed under the upper lip and does not require spitting. It is popular in Scandinavia where it is available in loose and portioned varieties.
Goran Andersson, owner of Viking Snus, says he wants to expand his business in tourist-rich Thailand. But with regional oblivion to the product and strict advertising regulations, it’s an uphill battle.
Smokeless Tobacco
Chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus are all forms of smokeless tobacco that do not produce cigarette-like smoke. These products contain nicotine and other chemicals that can cause cancer. However, because these products do not use smoke, they are sometimes perceived as a safe alternative to smoking. However, research shows that all forms of smokeless tobacco are addictive and can lead to the same health risks as cigarette smoking, including mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, and high blood pressure.
Unlike American snus, which has loose, powdery strands of tobacco, Swedish snus is often sold in teabag-like pouches. It can be dry or moist and is placed between the upper lip and gum. It requires no spitting and can be used discreetly in public. Snus is popular in Thailand snus where about 5 percent of the population from Scandinavia visits each year.
Sweden’s progressive regulations on snus and vaping have helped it achieve the EU’s smoke-free goal, with significantly lower smoking rates than the rest of the world. If Thailand is to beat its smoking problem, it will need to adopt these strategies as well.
Local Snusmarken
The local snusmarken are usually packaged in small tins that, in earlier years, were made of porcelain, wood or silver. The tins have a catch lid that snaps in and out to reveal a small compartment for the temporary storage of used snus portions.
In addition to being less expensive than traditional smoking tobacco, snus contains considerably lower levels of nitrosamines and other harmful substances. It is also not inhaled and therefore does not affect the lungs in the same way as cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco do.
The snus is generally steam-pasteurized, which inhibits the formation of bacteria that would otherwise cause it to produce tobacco-specific nitrosamines. It is also shipped dry, which enables it to be stored unrefrigerated for up to a year or more. This allows it to be transported easily and safely, as the nicotine does not spoil. In the past, snus was often mixed with sugar or honey to sweeten it, but this has been stopped due to health concerns. The snus is typically placed under the upper lip and allowed to remain there for 30 or more minutes without spitting.
Age Restrictions
There are several ways to get around the age restrictions on snus in Thailand. One option is to buy it online. However, this is illegal unless you are over the age of 18. Another option is to buy it at a hotel or restaurant. However, this is also illegal unless you are over the age of 18 and have your passport with you.
SNUS is typically made from ground tobacco mixed with salt and an alkalizing agent (usually sodium carbonate). It can be stored for up to four months in the refrigerator. The tobacco used for snus is grown without pesticide and is pasteurized and air-cured, which makes it less harmful than chewing tobacco or dip.
In a web survey conducted before the display ban, 26% of smokers/snus users said that they were often tempted to purchase tobacco products when they saw them displayed in shops. Younger respondents were more likely to report this than older ones.
Legality
Snus is legal in many countries, but is banned in some, including the EU (excluding Sweden). Snus is pasteurized and air-cured, which makes it less harmful than chewing tobacco and dip. It is placed between the lip and gum, and released into the mouth for a slow release of nicotine and flavorings. Chewing tobacco and dip, on the other hand, require spitting, which can lead to oral cancer.
In Sweden, snus is regulated under food law, whereas chewing tobacco and dip are regulated as tobacco products. The differing regulatory approaches can contribute to negative health impact on young people. Therefore, it is important to harmonise regulation of new tobacco and nicotine products and to protect young people in line with EU and national legislation.
If you bring snus into Thailand, you must declare it at the airport. If you don’t, you could face fines and other penalties. If you bring a large amount of snus, it may be confiscated by customs officials. To avoid this, you should buy your snus at a shop in the airport or bring small quantities.
Use
Snus, also known as snuff, is a moist tobacco product that is placed under the upper lip for a gradual release of nicotine. It is made from pasteurized and air-cured tobacco and has lower levels of harmful substances than chewing tobacco or dip, which require spitting.
There are many snus brands and variations available, with various flavors and nicotine strengths to suit individual preferences. Loose snus that must be packed by the user before use (called Prilla in slang) is still widely used, but sachet-type snus has increasingly replaced it, as it is cleaner and more discreet.
To minimize your environmental impact, opt for snus that is sustainably produced and packaged. Use reusable snus cans and containers, and dispose of used snus responsibly in designated waste bins or biodegradable disposal bags. Consider experimenting with different flavors to find the right one for your palate and lifestyle, and choose lower-nicotine products like nicotine pouches to reduce your risks of developing nicotine dependence. Read reviews and consult fellow snus users to learn more about the best brands, and always buy from reputable retailers.