Jumpin' out the pan... into the fire?

[Kookie]

Ok, I looked at as much info as I can stand about snus. I still don't know if you're suppose to spit, like chewing tobacco, when you use snus.

Snus doesn't seem very lady like. Does it stain your teeth?

The Norther site said more and more women are using it. Is that just a ploy?

I'm considering this for the whole WTA issue.
(I'm five weeks into vaping and find myself depressed, cranky, high anxiety, and craving cigarettes. BTW, cigarettes taste like soap in my mouth now. Can't stand it. Love the taste of vaping. Enjoy the hell out of it. Concentration... do what now? One of the basic common issues I've been reading about.)

Also, Isn't this a little like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire? I'm talking about oral cancer. IDK, that, to me, is scarier than lung cancer. Gene Siskel scares the crap out of me!

They said the Swedish pasteurized snus is less apt to cause cancer. I'm thinking about ordering from Northern.com. You think the starter kit they sell is a good start? (Thats if there is no spiting and brown teeth.)

 

[Stubby]

Lots of questions, I'll do what I can to help.

Also, Isn't this a little like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire? I'm talking about oral cancer. IDK, that, to me, is scarier than lung cancer. Gene Siskel scares the crap out of me!

After over 200 years of use in Sweden and studies going back to the sixties they have found no connection between Swedish snus and any type of oral cancer. Even with the american type oral tobacco the risk is very small, with Swedish snus it doesn't exist. It's the poster boy (or girl) for tobacco reduced harm. In reality there is far more known about snus then PV's as we don't know what the long term effect of inhaling PG/VG and flavorings are. I'm not saying PV's are not okay, but the long term effects are not known and at this point can't be know.

Ok, I looked at as much info as I can stand about snus. I still don't know if you're suppose to spit, like chewing tobacco, when you use snus.

Unlike american style oral tobacco there is no need to spit with snus. Spittoons not needed.

Snus doesn't seem very lady like. Does it stain your teeth? The Norther site said more and more women are using it. Is that just a ploy?

As far as being lady like, well... that's probably a personal opinion. Many snus types are now made with women in mind. The minis are nearly completely discreet because of there small size and come in many flavors that may appeal to women. As far as staining your teeth, there may be a bit, but a lot less then smoking. In the over 13 months I've been using snus my oral health in general has improved from when I was smoking. White portions will stain the least (if at all) and loose will stain the most.

It is not a ploy that more women are using snus. In fact there are a number here that use it daily. No doubt a few will check in to give you their take on snus. I'll let them give you a heads up on what types they like. I'm pretty much straight tobacco flavor and traditional type snus. Perhaps not the best place to start.

 

[Club42]

I just started using snus two months ago and can say that I do notice slight staining just in the spot where I place the snus. The stains are easily removed by brushing with baking soda once a week or using over the counter whitening kits. Unlike cigarette stains that require professional whitening to remove. Originally I was a little worried because I read that snusing can cause some reversible gum recession but my gums have actually improved. I think its because cigarettes were so much worse for my oral health than snus. If the snus doesn't suit you then you could always try dissolvables but personally I think snus kills my cravings a bit better.

 

[hittman]

Yes, what Stubby said. I have been using snus for about six or seven months and honestly have not noticed any staining. I was very concerned also before I started using it because I got braces put on last fall. The whole idea seemed gross to me at first. The depression and total lack of focus and motivation hit me after about two months of vaping only with no cigarettes. I slowly weened myself from 30 cigarettes a day over a few months. However, no matter how strong of liquid I used I could never get the satisfied feeling I was looking for. That is until about 10-15 minutes into my first portion of snus. It was like someone had turned on a light switch. I believe that snus is very low or nonexistent when it comes to causing oral cancer. As far as staining, I think if you brush and floss like you are supposed to then there will be little or no effect on your teeth. I go to my orthodontist every 2-4 weeks and to my dentist for cleanings every three months(standard with braces) and neither have said anything and as far as I know cannot tell that I am using snus. As a matter of fact, the lady that cleans my teeth commented how good my teeth looked and how little staining I had compared to when I smoked all the time. Just starting out, you might want to try the general mini mints and thunder frost minis. It seems that is what most people use at the beginning but don't limit yourself if some other flavors sound good to you.

 

[potholerepairman]

Wow , I would have guessed it was just chew made in Sweden, thanks for the info.

 

[Kookie]

Teehee, yeah sorry for the barrage of questions.

The depression and total lack of focus and motivation hit me after about two months of vaping only with no cigarettes.

Yeah, yeah. (Sooner for me.) Plus I'm becoming unbearable as reported by my cohabitants. Lol <-- I have to laugh or I,ll cry.

Ok, I just wanted to be sure you didn't walk around with a cup. Yuck, that is so gross. I wanted to be assured that wasn't the dirty little secret of snus.

Now that I know what my problem is here, I've allow myself to have a few analogs in the day. It really tastes horrible!!! Bleh!

I have good teeth and my dentist, who I haven't seen in quite a while (shame on me) complained about my smoking. I didn't want to make matters worse with snus. (I suppose my gum health will improve.) Frankly, snus sounds kind of gross but I'm willing to try it.

As far as flavors go, I think I might like the traditional tobacco flavors in snus. At least I do in vaping. I did try some fruits and candys and don't prefer them. Some are alright, but I can't vape that kind of thing all day. Thats why I was thinking about that try out box from Northern.

BTW, thanks guys.

 

[Skrymr]

Swedish snus is not very sweet, even the fruit flavors that I've tried. It is however salty. Keep in mind that it takes a week or so for you're taste buds to adjust to the flavors, that is after a week or so you're snus will taste different. the starter pack is as good a place as any to start.

Here is a thread of snus review's that might help: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/smokeless-tobacco/79612-snus-reviews.html

 

[Kookie]

Hey, this isn't bad. I stopped by the local (crappy) smoke shop. They only had one choice so I'm not sure what I got. Its Marlboro Mild. I have no idea what size it is. It doesn't say. BUT, the scary thing is the big warning. May cause gum disease and tooth loss. I don't know why I have such a problem with that and completely ignored the warnings on a pack of smokes for years on end. The tooth loss just scares the crap out of me! (I like my teeth.)

So, all in all, this isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Its quite pleasant. I though my mouth would be filled with tobacco juice. Its very subtle. You really can't tell I have something under my lip as well. (I do think the mini's would be preferable though. I'm sure what I have is not a mini.) I think I can do this.

It was a bit shocking how much this is. $4.50 for just 6 packets. It must be the Michigan tax. I need to find a place local if I can. I'm thinking maybe a cigar shop might have a selection. (Just to get me through, and not smoke, until I can order some online.) I do want to stay away from the american snus though. I'm not sure if the pasteurized vs. fermented is a real difference in risks, but I'll go with it. I'm still confused even after reading the guide. Maybe pictures would help. (For those of us who seem to have fallen out of the short bus, lol)

 

[Skrymr]

Hey, this isn't bad. I stopped by the local (crappy) smoke shop. They only had one choice so I'm not sure what I got. Its Marlboro Mild. I have no idea what size it is. It doesn't say. BUT, the scary thing is the big warning. May cause gum disease and tooth loss. I don't know why I have such a problem with that and completely ignored the warnings on a pack of smokes for years on end. The tooth loss just scares the crap out of me! (I like my teeth.)

So, all in all, this isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Its quite pleasant. I though my mouth would be filled with tobacco juice. Its very subtle. You really can't tell I have something under my lip as well. (I do think the mini's would be preferable though. I'm sure what I have is not a mini.) I think I can do this.

It was a bit shocking how much this is. $4.50 for just 6 packets. It must be the Michigan tax. I need to find a place local if I can. I'm thinking maybe a cigar shop might have a selection. (Just to get me through, and not smoke, until I can order some online.) I do want to stay away from the american snus though. I'm not sure if the pasteurized vs. fermented is a real difference in risks, but I'll go with it. I'm still confused even after reading the guide. Maybe pictures would help. (For those of us who seem to have fallen out of the short bus, lol)

This is just my opnion Kookie, so keep that in mind. American made snus sucks. Too sweet, not enough nic, and way overpriced. I think they just market it as something to use between cigarettes intstead of a substitute for cigaretees.

As far as the warnings, they are there by law not by necessity. Swedish snus is produced and regulated according to Swedish food laws. It is considered so safe no warnings are necessary in Sweden, but they are added to tins sold in the US.

I would call around to the local tobacco shops to see if they carry General snus before going out to find it. Also verify that it is General snus, the american made swedish type snus if pretty bad overall. From what I've heard there is a difference in risks between pasteurization and fermentation, fermentation having the higher risks.

Put the pouch on top, towards the front and you won't have much juice to worry about. The further back you put it the more juice you will get.

Please ask as much as necessary to feel good about this, we are here to help.

Oh, and welcome to the "other" side of the tracks...

 

[hittman]

If you go to general's website, you can search for a local supplier. Also you can get a free sample pack. If you can't find any general, maybe try some Discreet. They have more flavors available and have more nic. The ones sold here in smoke shops are .99 for a pouch with ten portions and come in about five different flavors. Just an idea.

 

[Stubby]

Marlboro snus is not the best place to start... though it may taste okay. Don't know as I've never used them. I believe they are minis. The nicotine is very low compared to swedish snus and you only get 6 portions. That's pathetic as you get 20-24 portions with the Swedes. Even Camel snus is a better deal as you get 15 portions. Michigan tax on smokeless is 32% of wholesale price so not to bad compared to 100% of wholesale in WI.

You may be able to find someone in Detroit that carries Swedish snus (it would be the general brand as that's all that is sold over the counter in the US at the moment). If that fails camel would likely be better then Marlboro, though both are sweet as opposed to salty.

 

[Kookie]

Ah... haha, yes, the "other" side of the tracks.

Excellent advice guys. The General site is set up very well. I found a place a mile away, called the guy and he said, "Actually, I have some in my mouth right now." LOL. He also said they have a nice selection.

Boy, I got ripped on the Marlboro stuff. $4.50 gets me a can at the cigar shop. I will go there this evening.

Thanks a whole bunch guys!!!

 

[AllCoExPat]

Looks like you're on the right path, Kookie! Many of us came around to the Swedish snus after sampling the Camel (and now Marlboro) products. It's not how ya start that matters as much as where you finish. And there are such a wide variety of types and flavors out there that I'm sure you'll find just what you're missing.

 

[hittman]

Congrats Kookie on finding a general dealer. The only one listed that is anywhere near me looked at me like I was crazy when I asked about the general snus they were listed as a dealer for. They did eventually get some and actually gave me a bunch that they got for free but now they act like they don't want to order any. Oh well, I have enough stock now that I won't need to order any more for over a year.

 

[Skrymr]

Kookie, ask for some free samples. They should have some that have a few different General products to choose from. Don't be afraid of the mint, they are very popular.

 

[Kookie]

Yes, they had a free sample box. Came with 4 different ones.

• White Portion
• White Portion Wintergreen
• Dry Mini Mint
• And the last one just says Mint

I could have walked out with just that, but got a can of original portion. It is salty. Really cant taste much else, but I suppose the taste will change in time as everyone has said.

I will tell you guys, I do feel much better. (Be damned the fire!... and that frying pan too.) It almost is like a switch. I feel more together, if that makes sense. I haven't craved a cigarette at all and actually vape less as well. I think this is just what I needed. If I would have went on any longer with just vaping, it might have been a FAIL. I'm sure glad you guys are here. Excellent! Thank you.

I will still most likely have to order online to try all those other flavors. I believe whats in that sample pack is what they carry. It seems like a good start. When I get my new job, I will be sure to explore more. (My company I worked at for over 10 years fell apart. My condition from not smoking anymore wasn't helping my disposition.)

 

[hittman]

Kookie that's what I was talking about when I tried my first portion. I have no doubt I would be smoking full time had I not been pulled from the fire by some of the senior members of the smokeless forum. After that first mini mint there was no turning back for me.

 

[VaporLung]

The transition from American made products to REAL Swedish Snus was a bit of a shock. Once you get 'used' to the saltiness of real snus you will swear off the overly sweet American products. One of the best things about Swedish Snus is the amount of info available on it. (Curing process - steam as opposed to fire) FDA approved flavorings etc... I think one of the biggest issues with Camel/Marlboro is noone really knows whats in it or how its cured etc (in seeing that the FDA here doesnt regulate it)

ONce you get over the initial 'shock' then the flavor selection is off the chart.

 

[hittman]

You have that right about not knowing what's in the American.Hell, camel wouldn't even tell us the mg of nic in it.

 

[Kookie]

Now I read about that PACT BS. WTF?!!! So, I won't be ordering online, huh?

Oh...*sting of cuss words you can't imagine* - poo. (I keep threatening to move out of this country. Not sure what will break the camels back. I'm only like 10 miles from Canada.)

Um, I know I shouldn't jack this post with more questions, but WTH.

How often do you guys snus?