The Swedish Experience
The Swedish Experience with tobacco is one of the main reasons why Sweden is considered the “harm reduction capital of the world”.
The Swedish Experience refers to the country’s unique tobacco consumption habits, which stems from the high prevalence of snus consumption among tobacco users in Sweden. While total tobacco consumption levels in Sweden are comparable with other countries in Europe, Swedish men smoke substantially less than men in other countries.
As a result, the risk of a man dying from a tobacco-related illness in Sweden is lower than in any other European country. And Swedes themselves name snus as the most effective way to quit smoking.
A comparison of smoking rates in Australia, where snus is banned, and Norway, where snus is legal, provides further support for the power of the Swedish Experience and the positive effects of Swedish snus on public health.
Learn more about snus, health, and the Swedish Experience below.
The Product: What is snus and how does it compare to deadly cigarettes?
The Difference: How does snus differ from other smokeless tobacco products?
The Paradox: Why is snus outlawed in the European Union?
The Swedish Experience: relevant studies
The Snus Commission (2017), The Betrayal of Smokers
The Snus Commission (2017), Snus Saves Lives