Suggestions for a newbie

[PennySD]

Hello all - ran across the site after running across a wikipedia article on the stuff. I actually found snus while i was studying abroad in London and having spring break in Berlin.

[BACKGROUND STORY HERE] :lol:
At a hostel, I made good acquaintances with a group of Swedish students (good people, those swedes - my only regret is that i didn't have a chance to go there myself!) and we decided to have a night out. Already well pissed from the hostel bar, we were wandering about when one of the girls pulled out a little tin and after taking one for herself and sharing with her friends, offered me one. I'm not to keen on tobacco products unless i have a good drunk streak going, but i've never tried "chewing tobacco." Still, first time for everything. I popped one in and put it up in my lip as they did. Not much at first, in fact, a little unpleasant with the saliva welling up. A few spits later, I was surprised to have a nice little buzz going. I was still drunk but little more alert and energetic than usual. The rest of the night went well, but was unfortunate in the sense that that was my last run-in with snus.

Three months later, with school (Uni) looming up, I see how this might be a good study aid, with a bit of nicotine buzz, it'll be good for those pesky all nighters. I normally depend on tea (black or yerba mate), and i doubt i'll give that up, but it'd be nice to have an extra source of something pleasant during long nights.

[THE QUESTION]
So my question is this: What are some good snus products for a newbie? I would like to have suggestions on the pre-packaged variety, as i don't want to go to class with brown stains on my hands! I'd like something with a milder taste but a stronger taste is okay, and preferably one that doesn't cause too much saliva build up so i don't have to spit after the first few minutes. I'm currently looking at buysnus.com and northerner.com. also, what are the differences between white/black/original packages? Thank you!

EDIT: What are the effects of snus? Does it cause some mental alertness or was i just imagining that? thank you again!

[KarlvB]

Welcome PennySD

First things first. If you are not already addicted to nicotine (in any form) then I would suggest that you steer clear of snus, and even more so of cigarettes. Nicotine addiction is one the hardest to break and one can become addicted a lot easier than you might think.

The effects you felt of being more alert probably came from nicotine and the fact that it is a stimulant, but once again I would suggest a serious addiction to espresso's rather than nicotine.

I would also suggest that you read the section of this forum relating to Snus & Health to make an educated choice if you want to/should be using snus.

Now, to get back to your question about brands. Most "newbies" start with mini portions. They are smaller (more discreet), contain less nicotine (with the exception of Mocca+) and come in a variety of flavours.

Regular portions and white portions are in essence the same thing. They are larger than a mini portion and contain more nicotine. To get an idea of the size there is a picture in this post where it is next to a pound coin

http://www.snuson.com/viewtopic.php?t=284

The white portions are drier than the regular portions and release their flavour a lot slower. They will also create less juice at first so if you don't want too much juice coming out they are for you.

The CatchDry products contain even less moisture so will drip even less.

You also need to know that you can swallow the juice from the snus as it will not make you sick like the juice from American chew. That is part of the enjoyment of snus - no spitting. It may make you feel slightly queasy the first time though if your body is not used to it.

My suggestion would be to get the Swedish Match tasting kit (Mini) from Buysnus. It is listed under mixed snus and boxes and contains the Swedish favourite General (taste a lot like Earl Grey). The Mocca products are also quite good

And now over to the other forum members...



Ps: I know someone will suggest Elixyr Power Energy portion. Don't touch it! I know some forum members (cough cough Sagedil) really like it, but there are those among us who see it as an abomination (raises hand)

[jamesstew]

For someone that doesn't smoke currently I would definitely suggest starting out with the mini portions. Besides having less nicotine they are certainly a little more discreet. I'd also like to echo what KarlvB stated about the addictive nature of nicotine. As far as your question about mental alertness I would have to say yes it does help in certain cases. I have been a life-long sufferer of ADHD and although the medication helps immensely it seems I can tailor it a little more with the nicotine from snus.

[PennySD]

Thank you for your responses!

As far as getting addicted goes, i'm not too worried about it, as i've quit smoking for a few years now sans while drunk. But these occasions are few and far between. Though this does bring up another question, how addictive is snus? is there anyone that tried to quit but couldn't? or go through similar withdrawal symptoms as a cigarette?

I'm looking through some products online - I'd greatly appreciate more suggestions on good brands. it seems like generals and goteborgs are fairly popular, and catch, phillip morris, Lucky Strike, and wise have caught my eyes as well, but i have no idea where to start! thanks again!

[RobsanX]

I started with the Swedish Match portion selector pack... Now I'm hooked on several different flavors...

http://www.swedishsnus.com/US/fullpost.asp?artid=52

[ponysoprano]

mocca+ Eucalyptus minis are good, as a few of us agreed on a post several days ago. They are small and discreet but have a larger amount of nicotine that most mini-portions [6mg. instead of 4, I think, still less than most large portion's 8mg]. I really like Roda Lacket white portion, to me, as recently mentioned, it tastes like mild strawberry jam on buttered toast, don't know where they came up with "licorice sweet" on the product description, unless they meant red or "American" licorice, which is possible. I'm a fan of any portionsnus made by Swedish Match and one of a handful of folks on here who like OffRoad portions, particularly icemint and Am. Wintergreen.

[holnrew]

I feel I should add that as your body gets more accustomed (and addicted!) to the nicotine the effects of the increased concentration and buzzing will lessen. You may try to get that feeling again by increasing your usage, and then you get more addicted to it, and then the effects of that increase are diminished as you continue to use it and before you know it you're a snusaholic!

So you need to be extremely sure you'll be happy with that. Many of us here are ex smokers and the effects of snus compared to cigarettes is negligible, but using snus compared to not using it at all you are increasing your risk of health problems. But in the end it's down to you.

[PennySD]

well i just got a pack of general originals from a local cigar shop. I have to say WOW. it's definitely good stuff, as the nicotine hit was pretty solid after a job interview.
I'm thinking i shouldn't drive with it though, as it is much too relaxing, but it'd be nice to have one after an exam or something. one problem: a lot of saliva production. throat was somewhat irritated in the beginning, but 10 minutes in i was good. Can't imagine doing this stuff every day (which is a good thing), but glad to have it. I'll be damned if it didn't taste like i had a spot of marmite on my gums though. all that saliva production and the swallowing that ensued queasied up my stomach a bit, but i'm alright.

Should i store the stuff in the fridge or am i ok to have it in a desk drawer or backpack?

[RobsanX]

Glad you enjoyed it! General is peppery, so it will burn a bit more than most, but not as much as some... It helps to have a beverage nearby to chase that burn... General is also the best selling brand in the world, and you now have an idea of what snusing is about... Welcome to the club!

[lxskllr]

I would suggest keeping it in the fridge, but it isn't essential. It'll keep longer in the fridge, and I prefer my snus cold, but it'll last a reasonable amount of time at room temperature.

[gentlemanly]

I think that the portion mix from buysnus is the way to go (I have been known as a tightwad and it is cheaper). If you want minis, you can request all minis, or tell them that you prefer white portions, and buysnus is top notch on their customer service. You might try white portions, as this might cut back on the some of the juice (as stated by karlvb earlier) If you like a mild tobacco with a little flavor, I really enjoy jakobssons classic, roda laket, and goteborgs rape. And if you like licorice you seriously need to try LD black. I can't stand eating licorice candy, but I really enjoy LD Black.

[bondzai]

Roda Lacket Rules

[PennySD]

well... after an all nighter and an exam... that general is e-f-f-abulous. i mean it is niiiiiiice.

still wouldn't drive with it however. :lol: call me a newb, but there's no way i can handle the buzz and drive. what's something a a little less peppery? I'm on my second (third counting the one from berlin), and i've got the over-salivating thing down. No more stomach queasiness from overswallowing the snus juice. i think i'll spring for the white packs next time - i don't mind the nicotine buzz, but i'm gonna do my damned best not to "taste" it... that's what led to the over salivation last time.

i'm thinking about general whites, wise, goteborgs or one of the catch brands next time, maybe the mocca that people seem to be recommending as well. one question - goteborgs original or goteborgs no. 2?

[lxskllr]

one question - goteborgs original or goteborgs no. 2?

Depends on what you like. GR tastes a bit like gin, the #2 like gin and berries. Neither are favorites of mine, but I like the #2 better. It's fruity without being cloying.

[PennySD]

so many choices... haha.

i got a question... every time i snus, i get a good nicotine buzz for 20-30 minutes. then it wears off, and a certain queasiness comes in after an hour or so. I have been kinda tired and been a bit under the weather lately, so i'm a little reluctant to jump to the snusing. is there a relation?