I have completed 6 months since I first took snuff. It was an interesting path discovering this forum and the wealth of knowledge on snuff and snuff taking. It was a pleasure (though through a lot of research and hard work) to acquire one of the best (or most known) Indian snuffs. I havent tried any of the brands outside India, and might soon start (God knows how. The exchange rate is killing and the customs are just too stringent).
Snuff taking for me is more than a habit. I used to be a smoker and giving up dependence on cigarettes for nicotine was the best gift I could give myself this year. Despite its largely unknown in the so called ‘society’ in my city, I am still managing to spread a word when asked ‘Whats that you’re putting up your nose?!!’ with dramatic tones and animated remarks.
For a particular condition, and for migraines, I started using snuff after reading some books on this subject. I was thrilled to see a wealth of knowledge which people dont know about. Snuff helps me with pain as using it has reduced my headaches by 50 percent.
Snuff for me is also like something which helps me tackle the mundane life and the assholes it has to offer. Its a support system for me now. Nicotine helps me keep sharp (since I have a weird melatonin issue) and it keeps my life interesting. Though my usage is fairly low compared to quite some of you here, it is still a decent gram or two of different types everyday.
Other than that, I just love snuff, and I love the varieties it offers. I am sure that I’ll discover more - but as of now, I’m pretty excited about snuff in general. Maybe snuff psychosis?! (as Uncle Squinty says)
What are your experiences? Is snuff more than a habit for you, or is it just that?
Since how much time (months, years, weeks) you’re using snuff?
Are you noticing any health issues?
How much do you use in a day?
How do you think snuff affects your life for the better?
More of a hobby than a habit. And yeah, I consider it an integral part of some dramatic changes I made towards becoming a bit healthier about seven years ago, losing about 15kg, starting to swim and ride a bike, eat better and so on. Not only it doesn’t have a negative impact, like coffee it has a positive nootropic benefit. If I was into Castaneda, I’d say it was a plant ally. I was very passionate about it for the first year or so, these days I tend to take it for granted as a trusted old friend.
Snuff is a hobby more than anything for me. I gave up using snus, so snuff is my only form of nicotine consumption these days. Snuff is something that I enjoy a great deal, and it’s something that (knock on wood) is very affordable for the amount of enjoyment that I receive from it.
I’ve been using snuff on/off the last 8-10 years. In the last 2 years, I’ve been using it daily.
I’ve noticed no harmful health issues from the use of snuff and neither has my doctor.
I use anywhere from 1g - 5g a day depending on what I’m doing.
Snuff is a mood booster for me. It makes me feel better, and it’s not just nicotine that’s doing this. Because it’s something that I enjoy greatly, I’m generally happy being able to take snuff.
I get migraines, too, and nicotine sometimes helps. Snuff is sure a lot faster and easier than trying to load up a pipe, tamp, keep it lit etc. when I’m only seeing in 2-D, my eyeball feels like it’s going to explode, and I can’t stand being in bright light!
@basement_shaman - Yes, I do intend to scent some plain snuffs. I am going to use dark chocolate food essence to scent my yellow lilly natural and 6P Natural. I just have to acquire the dark chocolate food essence.
@JakartaBoy - I like the way you put across the idea of taking snuff for granted eventually Glad to know about the connected changes it has made for you.
@Oregon - Great to know no health issues despite the time since you use snuff and your usage. I worry about tolerance, since I like fine dry snuffs a lot and use them a lot. Yes, snuff is a mood booster for me too because of the nature of the indulgence and the excitement for variety (despite only Indian ones) and ease of use.
@Chico - I can totally understand your symptoms since I do have most symptoms of migraine, and had them at an elevated level. I have noticed my migraines reduce since I started using snuff. Use mint based snuffs for migraine. They help a lot.
@newbiesnuffer -thank, I’ll try that. Do find mint normally good for migraines, like mint tea? You probably know that some people get triggered by dark chocolate, by the way. Not me, fortunately!
I snuff pretty much all day, every day. I love nicotine and its effects. I do use a couple of portions of General Original snus a day at work as snuff use needs to be totally discrete and can’t always be done. I probably use 5 grams a day, more on weekends. I’ve been at it for three years or so, with no issues. Am I addicted? Probably–but who cares? I do admit to a little “panic” if I run out during the day, so make sure I don’t.
I was a pretty avid pipe smoker, but it no longer interests me–I seem to have quit smoking even though I had no inclination to do so.
I found that snuff is the only thing that stops migraines, and I suffer really bad. Some times I can’t talk correctly, and I am usually out of it for a day or 2 after. But now when I feel a migraine come on, I can start taking snuff to stop it, it’s really amazing. I find that medicated snuffs work the best, but not too medicated, so you can take a lot.
I think snuff is more of a hobby than a habit, collecting, trading, discussing. Finding good deals.
I also find that most of the snuff takers are gentlemen, this forum is a good example. Snuff taking takes delicacy, and differentiating between similar smells takes refinement.
I am not, and never have been a smoker, I found it just to be a rude, offensive, foul smelling habit, that never appealed to me. Snuff is just the opposite.
I get addicted to things very easily, so I do try to keep my snuff use in check - and it is an active thing, I have to limit it or I will just pinch like a fiend the whole day, endlessly. This way, I keep it as an enjoyment rather than a habit.
I also find that I smoke my pipes less and smoke fewer cigars now, mainly because I would have to smoke them outside and Mrs Effy doesn’t like the after-taste (especially from cigars) which are not issues with snuff.
newbiesnuffer you said you haven’t tried anything outside India because of the shitty policies.(Iknow that feeling-I live in Greece…)
if you want just send me your address and I will try to send you some snuff for free.
Hope this is not a problem with the customs.
@tobaccobob - That is so kind of you, Sir. Before I can accept your fine offer, we both will need to check if you shipping tobacco to me individual to individual basis is permitted and will reach me. I dont want your proposed gift to be stuck and go waste Thanks so much again!
Hey newbiesnuffer, been snuffing, smoking and chewing/snussing tobacco for more than 20 years. Now, mostly don’t smoke but enjoy chewing/ snussing and snuffing. I crave for the snuff though. My nostrils itch in anticipation. Am mostly partial to the Madras types as they smell like smoky tobacco and have lingering nic hit and bite.
British, German and American are my go too. I do enjoy a South African, Indian and a Chinese snuff once in awhile tho. Artisan snuff made anywhere I always give a :-bd
You could do a lot worse than being confined to Indian snuff. I can understand the curiosity and the desire to expand your horizons, but you’ve got about 70% of the snuffs I use within your borders. Add in the UK, and that takes me up to 100%.
Snuff to me is a habit, hobby, and historical area of interest. I can’t say I have any particular favorite type, brand, or style. I enjoy them all. I go through phases of liking particular types, but I’ve only met a few that I did not enjoy. Its an eclectic thing for sure. In my normal life, I have no snuff pals at all. Most people seem to find it kind of gross because of the nose blowing, dirty hankies, etc. I’m probably an addict, but I don’t care.
@mrmanos Do they find it more disgusting than smoking ? If done with proper manners, snuff is probably the least offensive way to consume tobacco. No stink, No spitting.
yes like a pipe not only does it keep the monkey on my back calm it also is just enjoyable as well and does have positive medical effects. I haven’t had a sinus infection since starting snuff and that was a yearly event. It’s also killed most of my allergies. I used to get ruined every year around this time by pollen. Now my eyes get kind of itchy and I sneeze a little bit (yes I sneeze less since using snuff then I did before using snuff, go figure).
Glad to know about the connected changes it has made for you.