Does anybody know if one has a few hits of ammonia from the smelling salt packets (like NFL players use) and then taking snuff would increase it’s absorption and effects?

I’ve been reading on here some great posts about added ammonium carbonate to give a kick to what would otherwise be “dead” snuffs with zero nicotine (due to the processing) and when I smoke a lot of pipe tobaccos for example that don’t have it there’s hardly any nicotine (not all, but some. 5 Brothers and HH Bold Kentucky being the two strongest I’ve had personally so far) and just thought, maybe that would facilitate nicotine absorption.

Maybe this is nonsense, but just wondering

I would try taking a pinch first and have a hit of smelling salts afterwards. Might be effective both ways, though.

You could add a little hartshorn to your snuff if you’re looking for effects similar to smelling salts. The ammonia referred to in snuff recipes from the 1800s was ammonium carbonate or “hartshorn,” which was made through the distillation of animal horns. Ammonium carbonate is commonly used as a leavening agent in baking and as a smelling salt in medicine during the 1800s, it provides a sharp, pungent aroma when added to snuff. But be forewarned, if you’re not careful it’ll blow your head off! This stuff is strong when added to snuff.

A good starting percentage would be around 0.2% of the total weight of the snuff. This amount should provide enough hartshorn to create a noticeable aroma and to help facilitate the release of the active ingredients in the snuff, but not so much that it overwhelms the other components of the mixture.

Thanks. Great info. I’ve been wondering how to bring my taxi and ntsu back from the dead when it loses the ammonia halfway thru the tin. Not sure of any way around it. I’ve not actually used smelling salt packets I just had that thought seeing nfl players use it hahaha.

Would one need a mg scale to measure the amounts? I’d imagine it could be done by eye in tiny pinches but I’ve never attempted it before. If it brings the south Africans back from the dead I’m game… Also probably would give scotches an insane kick.

You’re welcome. I’m happy to share whatever little amount I’ve learned.
Yes, preferably use a mg scale. You can purchase one from amazon for around 15 bucks, same place you can find the ammonium carbonate. You can also find ammonium carbonate in the baking section of your local grocery store. Be forewarned, a little goes a long way. This stuff is potent and could potentially ruin your snuff if too much is added. Although if you happen to add just a little too much, the snuff can be aired out to tame it down. But past a certain point, there’s no return.

Some currently manufactured snuffs contain larger amounts of ammonium carbonate. Bernard snuffs have up to 0.97% (Feinster Kownoer), Six Photo snuffs - up to 6% (M. G. Madras; the label states slightly above 6%, actually).

The only Irish toast recipe I have stumbled upon calls for the addition of 0.5% ammonium carbonate. Snuff making 101 - #312 by volunge

Some American scotches contain this additive. The amount isn’t disclosed, but I assume it doesn’t exceed 1% of total product mass.

I would imagine there would be a long airing out time for snuffs using such a high amount of ammonium carbonate. Recently I added 2% to an old can of Black Rapee in hopes of reviving it. First bump had me in fetal position praying for forgiveness.

I bought some ammonium carbonate after reading this thread and made some Swedish cookies with it. Next is the snuff trial! Glad you posted.

I know I have saved volunges guides to alkalizing Snuffs. I am ready to try it because Taxi and Ntsu loses it too fast even with normal use and it is very weak otherwise. Also wanted to spice up some scotches to punch in the face. Maybe these batches of taxi and ntsu are a bit older but even fresh opening isn’t close to the potency of what I’ve had in the past. Of course maybe my tolerance is ruined. I got the batch of Taxi that smelled like menthol… Lol. If it brings snuff back from the dead and add a kick in the butt, it’ll be worth it

Please let us know how your experience is