Nicotine Gains Trendy Status Among Swedish Youth as Political Response Lags

A new snus and nicotine shop recently opened on Drottninggatan in central Stockholm, signaling a revival of tobacco retail outlets amid the country's historically low smoking rates. This shop features colorful marketing slogans such as "Snus is life. The modern way," reflecting a shift in nicotine product promotion towards an urban, trendy lifestyle that appeals especially to younger audiences. Current data reveal that nearly half of ninth graders in Sweden have tried tobacco or nicotine products, with about 10% reportedly using white snus daily. This resurgence raises concerns about a new generation's susceptibility to nicotine addiction. Despite these worrying trends, political response has been slow, leaving public health advocates calling for urgent action. Rebecka Öberg and Sindra Berndt from IOGT-NTO emphasized the risk of losing Sweden's significant progress in reducing smoking rates if politicians do not acknowledge and address this emerging nicotine culture. The trend marks a shift from traditional smoking to alternative nicotine consumption methods, which might undermine public health efforts if left unchecked.