Subscribe now

HARM reduction is a concept that many people and governments struggle with, especially when dealing with recreational drugs. Take smoking, for example. Even smokers know it is dangerous. Many would like to give up and many have tried. Such is the power of nicotine and social conditioning that most fail. Yet there is a safer alternative.

Snus, or sucking tobacco, comes in pouches that sit between lip and gum. In Sweden it can be bought at local stores and its advocates argue that unlike nicotine patches or gum, snus is enjoyable. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of men have switched from…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop