Both nicotine and snus are an excellent alternative to smoking and vaping. Regardless of whether you're watching a film, working out, or paragliding over the Alps – maybe even all three at the same time (careful now) – they give you the hit you need with none of the nasties.
There are two different types of pouches that are used to help quit smoking and manage withdrawals. So how do they compare?
How to Use Nicotine and CBD
If you’re keen to find out how these work, join us as we take you on a brief lesson in biology 101.
Essentially, the inside of your mouth is padded with a tissue called the mucosa. This tissue has multiple glands that keep the texture of your mouth moist, helping you digest food and generally keeping your mouth a clean space. The tissue in your mouth is also highly absorbent and has quick access to your bloodstream. It's here where the juices enter your bloodstream – whether sublingually, buccally, or through digestion.
Remember, these contain nicotine but not tobacco. Snus – also known as tobacco – contains both. Nicotine pouches are legal in the UK and EU since they have no tobacco.
Sublingual
Sublingual is Latin for 'under the tongue'. This is a method is usually associated with CBD oils or tinctures. It involves placing a few drops beneath your tongue and letting it dissolve and diffuse into your bloodstream. You’ll find this technique most useful for our &CALM range.
Buccal
Buccal – which is Latin for 'in the cheek' – absorption is pretty similar to sublingual, only this method uses just your lip and cheek to absorb the substance. This is the method most associated with enjoying pouches. Check out our &BOOST, &FOCUS, or &CHILL range today.
Digestion
In the digestion method, absorption occurs after swallowing the fluid compound that occurs typically after the two above methods. FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND GENERAL HAPPINESS: DON’T SWALLOW THE POUCHES – IT’S THE LIQUID MIX WE’RE TALKING ABOUT HERE.
As the compound has to make the long journey through your body before reaching your bloodstream, it becomes less effective. That's why the sublingual method (for CBD oils) and the Buccal method (for pouches) are the most effective way of finding your vibe.
So What is Snus?
Snus, (pronounced snoose, as in rhymes with moose), is a tobacco-based, fresh, minty powder that you put under your tongue to get your hit.
While relatively new in many parts of the world, ingesting it in this way has been around in some cultures for a very long time. It is typically made in Sweden and sold in Nordic countries where it's proved popular for centuries.
How to Use
A portion of this moist substance is placed under the top lip next to the teeth, while absorbed into the blood. Purenicotine works in a similar way but is free of tobacco – containing only the nicotine ingredient and flavouring.
Be aware: Since they contain tobacco, snus is illegal in the UK and can only be purchased in Sweden.
Compare the Pair
To draw a line under what may be a confusing topic, let’s summarise here. The differences the two substances are minimal, along with the effects they have on you. Both products are orally ingested, and both leave a fresh taste in your mouth whilst relieving withdrawals and giving you a boost. However, snus is staining your teeth and is illegal in the UK due to their tobacco content, whilst nicotine pouches are not.
If you’re looking for a legal hit, fresh mouth and curbed cravings, check out our range of products right here. Now go forth with your newfound knowledge, and enjoy.
