The Role of Snus in Sweden's Smoking Decline

Introduction

• Morten: 20 years old, user of snus
• Snus: Tobacco product in small pouches, tucked under the lip for a nicotine buzz
• Claim: Snus contributed to Sweden's low smoking rates

Smoking Rates in Sweden

• 2022: Only 5.6% of Swedes smoked, the lowest in Europe
  • Decline of over half in 15 years
  • 5% of men, ~6% of women
• About 15% of population uses snus, mainly men
• Women increasingly using nicotine pouches (tobacco-free, made of plant fibers and nicotine)

Nicotine Shops

• Example: Nicoteket, a nicotine store
  • Sells vapes, nicotine pouches, and traditional snus
  • Does not sell cigarettes

Historical and Cultural Context

• Snus: Part of Swedish culture for over 200 years
• Potential model for other countries to quit smoking

Policy and Market Dynamics

• EU consideration of banning tobacco-free nicotine pouches
  • Economic threat to nicotine pouch makers
• Shift in big tobacco's strategy
  • Philip Morris International acquired Swedish Match
  • Embracing reduced-risk products
  • Nicotine pouch market projected to grow significantly

Health Impacts

• Sweden: Lowest tobacco-related cancer rates for European men
• 2019: U.S. FDA declared some Swedish Match snus less risky than cigarettes
• Health risks of nicotine: addiction, elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, aggravated health problems

Concerns and Challenges

• Risk of new generation of nicotine addicts
• Restrictions in the 1990s attributed to low smoking rates
  • Smoke-free workplaces, age limits on buying cigarettes and tobacco products
• Need for best practices and policies for new nicotine products
  • Inequalities in smoking rates based on income and education