Luxembourg's National Student Conference (CNEL) has sounded the alarm over the growing popularity of snus – small, white nicotine pouches placed under the lip – warning that the discreet product could create a new generation of nicotine addicts.

Between May and July, CNEL carried out a nationwide survey in secondary schools, with around 1,000 pupils taking part. The results were striking: one in five students said they had already tried snus, and two-thirds of those use it regularly, some even daily. The organisation described this as an alarming trend, with users getting younger, some reportedly starting before the age of 14.

CNEL Vice-President Semir Honsic said snus was becoming increasingly accessible and socially accepted among teenagers. He warned that without immediate action, consumption rates could rise sharply, stressing the importance of awareness and personal responsibility. Curiosity, he said, was natural, but young people should reflect on the impact on their health before giving in to it, both in the short and long term.

The survey revealed multiple reasons why young people turn to snus: curiosity, peer pressure, the pleasant taste, and freshness, the quick nicotine "kick", or the belief that it is a safer alternative to cigarettes. But this perception is misleading. Snus delivers nicotine directly through the mucous membranes, meaning it acts faster and more intensely than smoking, with doses that can be up to ten times higher than in a cigarette, significantly increasing the risk of addiction.

Using snus brings with it numerous health risks including various forms of cancer, such as oral, esophageal, and pancreatic, as well as cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure. When pregnant women take snus they risk stillbirth, preterm birth, and other complications.

Stronger regulation needed

Honsic noted that, from the user's perspective, snus seems "convenient": it leaves no smell, can be used discreetly, even during class, and doesn't require going outside.

Nearly 40% of young users admitted they have never considered quitting, with many describing it as a habit or a coping mechanism for stress and emotions. CNEL argued that young people are not properly informed about the health risks, such as gum and mouth damage, nausea, and dizziness.

Honsic emphasised that this lack of awareness is not the fault of young people themselves, but of insufficient prevention efforts. He called for stronger educational work and public health campaigns, arguing that protecting young people from addiction should come before commercial interests. "This isn't about politics", he said, "it's about safeguarding the health and future of our youth".

As part of the ongoing reform of Luxembourg's tobacco legislation, CNEL is demanding that nicotine pouches be clearly regulated and their sale to minors banned and strictly controlled.

The survey also found that one in three users already feels dependent on the product. CNEL warns that unless firm action is taken, Luxembourg risks seeing the emergence of a new generation of nicotine-dependent adolescents.

RTL

© Chris Meisch