Snuff

Snuff refers to a tobacco product produced as a fine powder or finely ground leaf. It is used without combustion, and nicotine is absorbed through mucous membranes. There are two main forms: nasal snuff, sniffed through the nose, and oral snuff, placed between the lip or gum and the teeth or cheek. Dry snuff is typically less moist; moist snuff is sold in tins and often flavored.

Nasal snuff is delivered by a small pinch at the nostril; oral snuff is kept in the mouth for a period, then discarded or swallowed.

Historically, snuff became fashionable in 17th- and 18th-century Europe and was used by people across social classes. It was sold in tins and linked to salons and court life. Its popularity waned with cigarettes but persists in various forms today; it is regulated as a tobacco product in many countries. In some regions, notably Sweden and Finland, oral snuff remains culturally common, while nasal snuff is more common elsewhere.

Health and regulation: Snuff contains nicotine and is addictive. It can irritate mucous membranes; long-term use of oral snuff has been linked to dental problems, and smokeless tobaccos carry cancer risks. Regulations typically require labeling, age limits, and taxes. It is distinct from snus, another Swedish smokeless tobacco placed under the lip.