Snus: The kick from the pouch
They don't smoke like vapes or cigarettes, can be consumed discreetly anywhere and therefore remain undetected by parents for a long time - we're talking about snus and nicotine pouches. They are becoming increasingly popular with children and young people and have long since arrived on school playgrounds.
In Sweden, pouch tobacco has cult status, in the rest of the EU its sale is banned and in Switzerland the flat, round snus tins have only been officially legal to buy since 2019. Prior to this, there was no legal clarity about the status of snus in this country, which meant that it could be bought at some kiosks before 2019. Since the Federal Court overturned the ban, consumption among young people has increased significantly.
Increase in consumption among girls
This is the conclusion of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, which the Swiss Addiction Foundation conducts every four years, most recently in 2022. Around 9300 pupils from Switzerland aged 11 to 15 took part in the study.
In the survey, around 13 per cent of 15-year-old boys stated that they had consumed snus at least once in the past 30 days. In 2018, the figure was 6 per cent. The increase in consumption among girls stands out - from around 1 per cent in 2018 to around 6 per cent in 2022.
The body quickly gets used to the stimulating effect, so that you reach for the sachet more often or switch to a stronger product.
A development that Simon Fluri, paediatrician and head of the school medical service in the canton of Valais, has been concerned about for some time. «We traditionally have a very active ice hockey scene in Upper Valais and snus is unfortunately very common among athletes,» says the doctor.
Two years ago, together with a head teacher from the region, he spoke publicly about the fact that snus is even consumed by primary school pupils. This was followed by information events and awareness campaigns at schools.
The situation has calmed down somewhat in the meantime, but: «Of course, we can't see everything and the problem has certainly not disappeared,» says Fluri. He also knows from conversations with colleagues that snitching is not a local phenomenon, but has long been widespread in schools throughout Switzerland.
Stimulating effect of snus
The snus pouch contains dried, ground tobacco, salts and various flavours. It is clamped between the upper lip and gums and remains there for around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your preference.
Nicotine enters the bloodstream via the oral mucosa somewhat more slowly than with a cigarette, but the effect lasts longer. «You immediately feel more alert and have the impression of being more efficient,» says the doctor, describing the effect. However, the body gets used to the stimulating effect relatively quickly, so you inevitably reach for the pouch more often or switch to a stronger product over time.
Nicotine has been shown to have negative effects on memory, emotions and personality development.
Simon Fluri, paediatrician
For comparison: depending on the brand, a cigarette contains between 7.5 and 13.4 milligrams of nicotine. The nicotine content of snus pouches is stated per gram. Because the sizes of the pouches vary depending on the manufacturer and product, the exact nicotine content cannot always be stated per pouch, but per gram. Accordingly, the light products contain between 2 and 6 milligrams, while normal snus contains around 6 to 12 milligrams. The stronger varieties start at 20 milligrams, the strongest have a nicotine content of up to 43 milligrams per gram.
«Snus is not cool»
The fact that snus or nicotine pouches - the latter do not contain tobacco but synthetic or naturally extracted nicotine - are trivialised or even advertised as a «healthier alternative to smoking» because no burnt tobacco is inhaled is not an argument for Simon Fluri, especially for adolescents.
«The brains of children and adolescents are still developing and are very susceptible to such stimulants. Consumption has been proven to have a negative impact on memory, emotions and even personality development as a whole,» says the doctor. In addition, regular and long-term nicotine consumption can lead to depressive moods and anxiety in young people. «These are all factors that are crucial for mental health later on,» says the paediatrician.
«Even if snus initially appears to help reduce stress or improve performance, this effect is only short-lived,» the doctor emphasises and appeals: «Snus is not cool. The good ice hockey players certainly didn't become professionals because they snorted. If you want to be good at sport, you should stay away from it.» According to the doctor, the increasing popularity of such substances is a dangerous development in the wrong direction, particularly because mental stress has increased noticeably among young people since the coronavirus pandemic.
What to do if your teenager snorts?
- Talk to your child about the reasons. «What are the benefits of consumption? How could you do it differently?»
- Point out the facts. Explain the risks and disadvantages of snus consumption and what consequences it can have so that the child can form their own judgement.
- Point out that there are laws that prohibit the sale of tobacco products to minors to protect their health.
- Repeat that you do not want him or her to snuff. Not even occasionally. The knowledge that their own parents disapprove of their consumption is a powerful factor for young people.
- If the child still doesn't want to stop, set rules. For example, that they should not use at home or in the car.
- Even if you use nicotine products yourself, a clear stance is crucial. Explain objectively why you use and be as open as possible when asked questions without dramatising or trivialising.
www.suchtschweiz.ch
Nevertheless, in October 2024, the sales age for tobacco products was standardised across Switzerland at 18. Until then, the regulation had varied from canton to canton. In most of them, the age of sale for tobacco products was 16 or 18. Two cantons had no regulations at all in this regard.
Order on the Internet
«This is certainly an important first step. However, this law really needs to be implemented,» says Monique Portner-Helfer, media spokesperson for Addiction Switzerland, adding: «Tobacco products are still easily accessible on the internet and controls, both online and in shops, are patchy.» This applies not only to tobacco, but also to alcoholic beverages.
As long as nicotine advertising is aimed so strongly at young people, they will find ways to buy the products.
Monique Portner-Helfer, Addiction Switzerland
The relevant snus online shops have already included the reference «No sale under 18» on their websites. However, some still leave the verification of age to the buyer and apparently trust that they are telling the truth when they tick a box to confirm that they are of legal age.
Others are stricter and require an official ID for verification. The order can only be finalised once the documents have been checked.
Advertised as a lifestyle product
What is striking is that many shops go to great lengths in their product descriptions. The snus varieties are advertised as «unique», «refreshing» and even «delicious». The colourful tins are also available in a wide variety of flavours such as rosé, lychee and mandarin. Flowery descriptions such as «flavour reminiscent of summer days» or «for a refreshing break in between» suggest a carefree, casual lifestyle.
The all-round service is offered by shops that, in addition to sales and detailed product descriptions, also write blog articles and provide advice. For example, the advantages of small pouches (barely visible) are advertised; it is explained how snus compares to cigarettes (better) or that nicotine pouches are more environmentally friendly compared to vapes. Visitors to these shops are also told which brands are suitable for beginners and how they can «increase their enjoyment».
Tobacco industry utilises loopholes
«As long as nicotine advertising is aimed so strongly at young people and reaches them, young people will find ways to buy the products,» says Monique Portner-Helfer. She criticises the fact that the tobacco industry uses every loophole to reach minors after all, and immediately gives the reason why: «This is vital for the industry's survival, because hardly anyone starts using nicotine after the age of 21. And the earlier and stronger an addiction develops, the more difficult it is to quit,» says the media spokesperson for Addiction Switzerland.
As far as the wider health consequences of snus consumption are concerned, most studies (although focusing on adults) agree that the risk of oesophageal and pancreatic cancer could be increased, among other things. There is also the possibility of damage to the mouth. On the one hand, tobacco can discolour teeth, and on the other, the area in the mouth where the pouches are inserted can become irritated in the long term.
Long-term consequences of snus not researched
So-called leukoplakia can also develop as a result of regular consumption. Leukoplakia refers to certain pathological changes in the mucous membrane that are characterised by conspicuous white patches. In most cases, the symptoms are harmless, but leukoplakia can develop into a dangerous cancer.
The long-term consequences of snus consumption in young people have not yet been sufficiently researched. However, it is a fact that nicotine, like all tobacco products, is addictive - and the manufacturers and distributors do not hide this fact.
Not all snus is the same
Contains dried, ground tobacco, salts, humectants and sometimes flavourings. The nicotine content varies depending on the variety, which is often not recognisable at first glance. Excessive nicotine doses can lead to dangerous symptoms of poisoning for children and adolescents.
Nicotine pouch
This type of snus does not contain tobacco but, depending on the manufacturer, usually consists of starch, flavourings and plant fibres or cellulose. The nicotine is added in the form of salt. Pouches are also available in different flavours and aromas.
Nicotine-free snus
This snus also consists of plant fibres. Instead of nicotine, the added caffeine usually provides the energy kick. Depending on the manufacturer, the content is around 80 milligrams per pouch. This is roughly equivalent to the caffeine content of an espresso.
