Chewing tobacco is a tobacco-containing product from Scandinavia, designed for oral use. It is already widespread among athletes, as they hope for faster reaction times and reduced nervousness from its use.
In this article, we take a closer look at the ingredients and effects of chewing tobacco and reveal whether it can be classified as a drug.
What Ingredients Are in Chewing Tobacco?
For decades, chewing tobacco has consisted of ground tobacco, salt, various flavors, and water. Traditionally, chewing tobacco is packaged loose, as seen with the oldest brand, Ettan chewing tobacco. Nowadays, chewing tobacco also comes in convenient nicotine pouches made from cellulose. These are also placed under the upper lip during consumption, where they exert their effects.
The nicotine content in chewing tobacco varies by type, with strong varieties containing up to 45 mg/g of nicotine, while mild varieties average between 5 to 10 mg/g. Some varieties are completely nicotine-free. However, there are also highly concerning products, primarily from the East, with nicotine contents exceeding 100 mg/g, posing a risk to consumers. Snushus strictly rejects such products and explicitly warns consumers against them.
A special type of chewing tobacco that has become popular in recent years is the All White pouches, such as those from the brands VELO and edel. While they contain nicotine, they are completely free of tobacco and do not stain the teeth.
The Effects of Chewing Tobacco
In the mouth, ground tobacco is moistened by saliva, allowing the nicotine to be absorbed through the mucous membranes into the bloodstream and eventually reaching the brain. Nicotine increases the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that elicits positive feelings in the body.
Due to these effects, chewing tobacco is often used as a stimulant by athletes. It can reduce negative emotions for a short period while boosting adrenaline production. Currently, neither chewing tobacco nor nicotine is listed as a banned stimulant in sports and can still be used by athletes.
The Harmfulness of Chewing Tobacco
Since nearly all types of chewing tobacco contain nicotine, it can be addictive. The damage caused by chewing tobacco is still not well-documented. However, it is often associated with gum recession, oral inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and an increased risk of mouth and pancreatic cancer. There is limited scientific evidence for these side effects.
Excessive use of chewing tobacco, especially by first-time users, may risk nicotine poisoning. Therefore, chewing tobacco should always be consumed in moderation, and newcomers should start with a lower nicotine content.
Conclusion: Is Chewing Tobacco a Drug and Does It Get You High?
By definition, drugs are substances that induce altered states of consciousness and can lead to addiction. Since chewing tobacco can contain high amounts of nicotine, regular use can lead to dependency. Given that it induces a euphoric feeling, it can be said that chewing tobacco can make one feel high.
Despite the potential for addiction, chewing tobacco remains a less harmful alternative to cigarettes. Since there is no combustion involved, fewer toxic substances are absorbed compared to smoking. Additionally, it eliminates the risk of secondhand smoke and is more environmentally friendly as the nicotine pouches are biodegradable.
