What is the effect of snus ?

[Vintage]

Hi all!

What I basically read here is about :

• how harmful snus is or is not
• how snus can or cannot help quit smoking
• how snus lowers tobacco-related deaths in Sweden
• ...

Which is totally fine ! I understand all of these concerns.
But what I would be interested in would be the direct effects of snus ?
I like tobacco for its taste, its smell, both smoked and unsmoked.
I have been "using" tobacco for quite some time now (mostly smoked in pipes).
This is my reason to be willing to try out snus, not because I feel any kind of addiction I want to get rid of, just for the taste of it.
And given that, I am not really familiar with that "nicotine-kick" thing and all that. So what would you consider being the direct positive effects of snus ?

Does it keep you awake ? help concentrate ? I read that swedish sportsmen use snus for "performance" ... what's the link ? the effect they exploit ?

Thanks.

[LaZeR]

Re: What is the effect of snus ?

....But what I would be interested in would be the direct effects of snus ?....

It makes certain folk's avatars have a rising effect on my trousers. --->

[Vintage]

Yeah, ok I get it, my avatar is smoking (!) hot, .... but more seriously ?

[Tobakssmak]

http://www.snuson.com/viewtopic.php?...84e70beb306bdd

okay, seriously, it just tastes good and provides the nicotine so many of us enjoy. Same reason you smoke a pipe, I suspect.

RobS

[Subtilo]

I use snus because I find it to be to most comfortable way to enjoy nicotine. The delivery is smooth and pure, and it doesnt feel like I'm simply getting a fix (like I felt it with cigs). And then it tastes good, is convenient, and discreet.

[snusjus]

If you want the taste of snus without all the nicotine, I would recommend trying a mini-portion variety. The pouches contain half the tobacco, thus half the nicotine. Dry mini portions will give you the least amount of nicotine, similar to what a 2mg nicotine gum would.

Take a gander:

http://buysnus.com/Search.aspx?Cat=2&Sub=1

If you want PURE tobacco taste, I would recommend General White Mini Portion and Tre Ankare Mini Portion.

[Mordred]

Re: What is the effect of snus ?

Does it keep you awake ? help concentrate ? I read that swedish sportsmen use snus for "performance" ... what's the link ? the effect they exploit ?

Nicotine is a stimulant, similar in effect to caffeine. So yes, it does keep you awake and yes, it can help you concentrate.

That said, your brain chemistry will build up a tolerance to nicotine, which is what we know as addiction.

Simply put, nicotine causes neurotransmitters to be released. This is the stimulating effect. However, your body will adapt to this by lowering its own natural release of those neurotransmitters with continued use. As a result, you will perform well when using nicotine, but below par when you're not.

At the end of the day, it's hard to say whether, in terms of performance, you benefit from using nicotine or not. Like any drug, you're messing with your brain chemistry and that's not really advisable, unless you're willing to cope with the side-effects (i.e. addiction and feeling crappy when you have no access to nic).

Most of us here are using snus as an alternative to smoking, and in that context, it's clearly a better choice. But if you're not hooked on nic yet, be aware of what you're getting yourself into. It (most likely) won't have any noticeable detrimental effects on your health, but it can still become a costly habit that will be harder to kick than you might imagine.

[chadizzy1]

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but this thread:
http://www.snuson.com/viewtopic.php?t=8304
has alot of good info.