The marketing of nicotine addiction by one oral snuff manufacturer

Abstract

Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 150 Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA GN Connolly Abstract Oral snuff is a form of smokeless tobacco that has been shown to cause oral cancer, gum disease, and nicotine dependence. Since 1970 use of oral snuff has soared among young males. I believe this in creased use is a direct result of an industry advertising and marketing campaign that encourages young non users to experiment with low nicotine starter products with the intent of gradu ating new users up to higher nicotine brands as dependence progresses. This article reviews internal industry docu ments offered into evidence in a 1986 Oklahoma court case, tobacco and adver tising industry trade literature, and advertising and promotional material that shows how one snuff manufacturer markets nicotine dependence to young people.