A recent study from Norway finds that snus is an effective smoking cessation tool. Researchers conclude that successful attempts to quit “were strongly related to the use of snus,” further evidence demonstrating that snus helps smokers quit.

Conducted by researchers Ingeborg Lund and Marianne Lund, both of The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the study looked at methods and strategies used by Norwegians who had made at least one attempt to kick their habit.

The data used was based on a cross-section of responses (from 2017-2020) to the annual Norwegian Tobacco Survey – and involved people aged 20 or over who were, or had been, smoking on a daily basis.

Nicotine replacement therapies (like gums and patches, for example), snus, and e-cigarettes were the most common cessation aids used, either exclusively or as a combination, whilst some tried to make a clean break without nicotine replacement.

More evidence that snus helps smokers quit

When exclusive use was separated from the combined use of cessation aids, only snus was linked with successful attempts to stop smoking.

“Our findings that successful quits were strongly related to the use of snus are likely related to the fact that Norway has a long tradition of snus use. Snus has now replaced cigarette smoking as the most prevalent form of daily tobacco use in the population,” the authors write.

“The association between using snus as a cessation aid and successful quits adds to previous findings from Norway, and supports the notion that availability of snus might have facilitated a decline in smoking.”

More research needed on snus-smoking cessation link

The scientific study from Norway is in line with an earlier survey conducted in Sweden by research firm Demoskop which revealed that Swedes perceive snus to be the most effective method to quit smoking. 

“This research shows what many Swedes already know, that snus helps to reduce smoking,” says Patrik Strömer, Secretary General of the Association of Swedish Snus Manufacturers.

“Unfortunately, I’m not aware of any Swedish researchers who have taken an interest in further exploring the link between snus use and reduced smoking.”

The Norwegian researchers admit more research is needed to better understand why snus helps smokers quit. However, they theorize that nicotine content may be part of the explanation.

“The nicotine content and duration of use of snus may provide nicotine in an amount that is similar to cigarette smoking, avoiding or reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms when quitting cigarettes,” the authors explain.