FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SNUS

Snus falls under EU Directive 2001/37/EC, which prohibits the sale of oral tobacco products in the European Union, with the exception of Sweden, which has an exemption.

This means that the sale of snus is not legal in Germany. However, the possession and consumption of snus for personal use is not illegal. It is also legal to import snus for personal use from other countries where its sale is legal, as long as certain quantity restrictions are observed.

Nevertheless, there are alternatives to snus that are legally sold in Germany, such as nicotine pouches, which do not contain tobacco but are used in a similar way to snus. These products are not covered by the ban on the sale of oral tobacco.

The strongest snus in the world is currently „Pablo Exclusive“ with a nicotine content of 50 milligrams per gram, followed by varieties such as „Siberia -80°C“ (43 mg/g) and „Thunder X“ (45 mg/g). These products are only suitable for very experienced users.

As the sale of snus is prohibited in Germany, snus enthusiasts must either order online from abroad or purchase snus in countries where its sale is legal, such as Sweden or Norway.

Snus should ideally be in the refrigerator at 4–8 °C be stored in order to preserve freshness, flavour and nicotine content. For longer storage periods, the freezing, provided that the snus is stored in an airtight container. Direct sunlight and heat should be avoided, as they significantly impair the quality. At room temperature, snus only keeps for a few days and can dry out quickly.

No, possession of snus is legal in Germany as long as it is for personal use and not for sale.

The prices for snus vary depending on the brand, quality and quantity. In Sweden, the price range for a can of snus (approximately 20-24 portions) is between 4 and 7 euros. Additional shipping and customs fees may apply for online orders.

Snus is not a drug, but a tobacco product consisting of ground tobacco, salt and flavourings. It contains nicotine, a stimulating and addictive substance.

Users typically place snus under the upper lip and enjoy it over a longer period of time, while the nicotine is slowly absorbed through the oral mucosa.

Although snus is less harmful than smoking, it still poses health risks. Nicotine can cause addiction and contribute to health problems such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers and oral cancer.

Snus is banned in the European Union, with the exception of Sweden, because it is considered harmful to health. EU directives aim to restrict tobacco consumption and protect public health.

Snus is generally considered less harmful than smoking. When smoking cigarettes, the user inhales smoke that contains many harmful chemicals and increases the risk of various types of cancer, respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Snus is consumed orally and does not produce smoke, which reduces the risk of respiratory diseases. Studies have shown that snus users have a lower risk of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to smokers. Nevertheless, the risk of cardiovascular disease and oral cancer remains for snus users.

Yes, there are nicotine-free alternatives to snus, such as herbal pastilles or chewing tobacco substitutes. These alternatives do not contain addictive substances such as nicotine and are generally healthier than traditional snus. It is important to check the ingredients and origin of such alternatives to ensure that they are indeed healthier.

If you want to stop using snus, there are various approaches that can help you. You can try to gradually reduce your snus consumption until you stop completely, or you can consider nicotine replacement therapy to help you overcome your nicotine addiction while you give up snus. Professional support from doctors, psychologists or addiction counsellors can also be helpful.