Snus just as bad as chews?

[tescela]

Originally Posted by duncantiv

I find myself curious about the distinction between nicotine and free nicotine. Anybody have any idea what it means?

I was under the impression that tobacco companies guard this data closely, so how did you happen upon this information?

Anyway, in scientific terms, "free nicotine' is "unprotonated" and "unbound" nicotine. Free Nicotine is the component that is rapidly transmitted to the brain, thereby delivering the "nicotine kick" that tobacco users' seek. Apparently, tobacco companies exploited this knowledge by lowering the total nicotine yield while simultaneously manipulating the pH level of the tobacco in order to make a larger percentage of the total nicotine be Free Nicotine. In short, they could advertise and sell "low nicotine" cigarettes (that complied with government regulations!) that actually delivered similar amounts of (or perhaps more) Free Nicotine, thereby making them more addicitive.

The bottom line is that it appears that it is the Free Nicotine number that matters most when comparing the nicotine yield of multiple snus products. So, the question becomes: do we have access to Free Nicotine data for all of the snus products available to us?


************************************************** ****

Despite its importance, the subject of Free Nicotine is so far below the radar for mainstream internet users, that it doesn't even have a Wikipedia entry.

However, if you would like to learn more about Free Nicotine, here are just a few of the many articles available online that touch on the subject:

More on the regulation of tobacco smoke: how we got here and where next -- Gray and Kozlowski 14 (3): 353 -- Annals of Oncology

Smokeless Tobacco and Some Tobacco ... - Google Books

SpringerLink - Book Chapter

[mastervapor]

Camel US snus----8mg.

[duncantiv]

Originally Posted by tescela

I was under the impression that tobacco companies guard this data closely, so how did you happen upon this information?

I found it on tobaccoproducts.org while doing a Google search for info on Camel SNUS. People have made assumptions about the Camel SNUS and how they are manufactured, what they contain, etc. All the references they cited contained info on a number of smokeless tobaccos but never mentioned Camel SNUS specifically. This lack of data was bugging me, but 10 seconds with Google fixed all that.

Of course, none of this is an attempt to validate the information contained on tobaccoproducts.org, but they don't seem to be dancing to Big Tobacco's tune, so they may be legit. At this point in time, I'm prepared to accept their info as valid.

Thanks for helping clear up my confusion about free nicotine. When I have the brainpower available (spent all Father's Day out with my daughter, so I'm a bit pooped), I'll definitely have to read through those articles you linked.

EDIT: Reading back through my other post, yeah, it was a little vague on exactly where I got that info. The specific URL is http://tobaccoproducts.org/index.php/Camel_Snus.

[duncantiv]

Originally Posted by mastervapor

Camel US snus----8mg.

My turn to ask: Where did you get that info?

I only ask because tobaccoproducts.org is the first place I found that had hard data on Camel SNUS. If there are other sources with divergent data, then it casts some doubt on all of them.

[mastervapor]

I stand corrected. Thanks for the update Ducantiv!

[Robert]

Interesting read...

I (maybe like others) had no idea what Snus was. I assumed it was the Skole Bandit all over again. Then in another thread I read someone is using snus to flavor there PG. Today has been a Snus lesson for me.

ps I've been geting free coupons for camel-snus in the mail for about six months and throwing them away, now I find out? I should of saved them.

[ladybug]

Hi, just recieved some sweedish snus in the mail,and want to know is it supposed to make your gums kinda burn? Also,about swallowing,it made my throat tight and gave me the hiccups.The reason I got snus was because I really don't want to go back to analogs and wanted to have alternatives and backup to the ecigs. Also,loved the idea of discreet no spitting! If I had to spit,I wouldn't use use snuss. I;m hoping using snuss just takes a little adjusting to get the hang of it.

[Stubby]

Originally Posted by ladybug

Hi, just recieved some sweedish snus in the mail,and want to know is it supposed to make your gums kinda burn? Also,about swallowing,it made my throat tight and gave me the hiccups.The reason I got snus was because I really don't want to go back to analogs and wanted to have alternatives and backup to the ecigs. Also,loved the idea of discreet no spitting! If I had to spit,I wouldn't use use snuss. I;m hoping using snuss just takes a little adjusting to get the hang of it.

It does take a bit to get used to. As far as the burning gums, in general it will go away in a week or so. A lot depends on what kind of snus you're using. The mints and wintergreens will burn more then the tobacco flavored.

Hiccups are a common occurrence for beginners, along with tightness in the throat. The only time I've gotten hiccups is when I was using a stronger nic snus. For me it was the 11 mg general Onyx. I don't know what kind and strength of snus you're using but I would suggest starting out with 4 mg minis and working from there. That may solve your problems.

Good snusing to you.

[ladybug]

Hi it was the elyxyr,power energy,powered by caffeinne snus that gave me the hiccups! But I am trying it again with the mint vanilla snus and I am getting the hang of it and like the flavor. Also have(but haven't tried) exstra sterk,thunder,offroad and original catch licorice. Also,good snussing to you Stubby!

[Stubby]

The power energy snus is a purified form of snus. It works a bit different then the normal snus. Normally the nicotine in snus is a slow release type. It takes awhile to get into your system, and it stays around a relatively long time. The nicotine in purified snus is released much faster, but doesn't last nearly as long. You got a good dose nicotine in a short time. Very likely the cause of the hiccups.