Campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco cause many people to quit smoking. However, every time the door to nicotine closes through conventional cigarettes, a window opens in a different place. At first there were electronic cigarettes or vapers and now, as seen on TikTok, it’s time nicotine packetsinspired by the famous Swedish snus.
Actually nicotine pouches They are illegal in the European Union., but they can be acquired illegally. For this reason, many countries are redoubling their efforts to raise awareness among their populations that no matter how safe they may seem, They are also not a good alternative to tobacco.
These are small bags filled nicotine, flavorings and other substances. They are inserted between the gum and cheek or upper lip so that their contents are absorbed through the mucous membrane. Therefore, there is no need to heat its contents, as in electronic or conventional cigarettes. Despite this, they carry proven and theoretical risks, so the best option is always not to try them.
From snus to TikTok’s famous nicotine pouches
Although we usually think of tobacco as a drug that is smoked, in the past its use was very common in other formats. This was especially common snuff, consisting of crushed tobacco leaves that are inhaled as cocaine is inhaled today.
This drug has become so popular that it is suspected that the expression “getting laid” came from there. European aristocracy She was very fond of snuff. Especially French, from which the current one comes swedish royal family. Therefore, when the French arrived in the Scandinavian country, they brought with them this habit, which soon attracted the attention of the Swedes. But gradually their consumption there changed. They went from inhaling tobacco to using it orally, in small packets they called snus. Now there is snus without tobacco, but always with nicotine.
Today’s nicotine pouches are based on snus, but they never contain tobacco. They only contain nicotine, but also flavorings and other ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carbonate or nitrosamineswhich are one of the compounds in tobacco.
As for the nicotine concentration, it can vary, but according to a study carried out in Germany and published by the Spanish Ministry of Health, the average value is around 47.5 mg nicotine per pouch.
Are they dangerous?
Although it appears that the first nicotine pouches went on sale in 2000, most reports of its distribution come from 2019. Plus, he’s just now starting to become famous on TikTok. Sweden, USA and UK These are the countries where it is consumed the most, so much of the research is done from there.
The problem is that, starting in 2019, it is still impossible to know what it is. long-term risks. Yes, they seem to entail cardiovascular risk, even in the short term. They may also increase the likelihood fetal death in pregnant women. And its direct use in any person can cause pain in the throat and mouth, irritation of the gums, hiccups and nausea.
It should be noted that although nicotine pouches are new, the first reports of snus use come from 17th century Thus, it is possible to extrapolate from long-term studies conducted in Sweden.
There, although there are conflicting studies, some suggest that drinking snus increases the likelihood of getting sick cancer of the digestive system, such as the esophagus, pancreas, colon and rectum. Moreover, the likelihood of mortality from these tumors is higher among snus users. Could the same thing happen with nicotine pouches? We do not know. snus contains shredded tobacco but nicotine pouches do not. But nicotine is not a harmless ingredient, so experts warn it can also be dangerous.
The most proven risk of nicotine pods
If there is one thing that is more than clear, without the need for long-term studies, it is that nicotine pouches can be addictive. This substance acts on the nervous system, activating reward systemswhich release dopamine and with it cause great pleasure.
As with other substances, the brain can gradually become accustomed to these stimuli to the point that develop resistance. To get pleasure you will need more and more nicotine. Therefore, addiction occurs very easily. These addictions, in turn, can lead consumers to take up other habits, such as smoking or vaping. This happens as with electronic cigarettes, which often become a bridge to the consumption of regular cigarettes.
No benefits like vapers have.
Some may find nicotine pods a good way to quit smoking. Just like patches or chewing gum made from the same substance. Nevertheless, Band-aids and gum They are formulated with precise doses so as not to be addictive. Moreover, although not always done, they should be consumed under professional supervision. On the other hand, nicotine pouches are still a drug that is taken without control.
In fact, a study conducted in Germany also found that labeling left much to be desired. For example, there are very few warnings about the risk to pregnant women. This, and also the fact that they are sold in jars that look like candy, may give them a false sense of harmlessness. But no, nicotine pouches are not harmless and will not bring us any benefit either.
Source: Hiper Textual
