I've heard and read rumours that in order to aid the absorption of the nicotine, Snus contains small glass
particles that score or cut the lip and gum slightly. This is held to be the cause of the "numb gum" feeling that
the product contributes to. However this is an urban myth due to occasional development of salt
crystals in older Snus products.
Snus is the subject of some macho national pride in Sweden. It is illegal in the rest of the European
Union, and the EU tried to have it banned in Sweden, having succeeded in doing so for Finland.