the government wants to ban this white powder sold in tobacco shops, a “junk” which takes up the codes of cocaine

The Minister Delegate in charge of Health wishes to ban this new product sold in tobacco shops as quickly as possible.

“It’s annoying to see this kind of product offered to young people”, reacts Saturday May 25 on franceinfo Frédéric Valletoux, Minister Delegate in charge of Health and Prevention. He discovered “48 hours ago” there “latest invention”a “smut that some people want to sell”. The minister refers to “Sniffy”, a powder which takes on the codes of cocaine. It is white, is absorbed through the nose and its promoters praise the effects “instant euphoric”. On sale over the counter in tobacco shops in France, it costs between 15 and 20 euros per gram.

“We must ban it as soon as we can. I will look at it with my services this weekend,” says Frédéric Valletoux on franceinfo. “I promise you that I will be uncompromising”adds the minister who does not hide a form of weariness: “It’s a constant race against the sellers of death, they might be angry with me because the expression is a bit radical.” But when “we push young people” to consume this type of product, “that’s kind of the idea”assumes Frédéric Valletoux.

Last December, the National Assembly unanimously adopted at first reading a transpartisan bill to ban “puffs”. These single-use electronic cigarettes are very popular among young people, including minors. A first step towards a ban which will still have to be confirmed by Brussels. “The law must always go after those who have funny ideas for our young people”underlines the Minister Delegate in charge of Health and Prevention.

Regarding “Sniffy”, sellers assure that this recreational substance is harmless. “It’s a white powder with only amino acids. Except for the caffeine, because it’s a stimulant. And you snort. The effect is very mild. It’s caffeine, it’s nothing. It’s is like drinking coffee or taking a Red Bull. The effects last about 40 minutes.”, argues a tobacconist from the 11th arrondissement of Paris, interviewed by franceinfo. Frédéric Valletoux denounces these speeches “a bit naughty”. Because according to him, by explaining that it is “harmless, that we have the right, that it is not dangerous, that it is original”these sellers “try to attract young people to tobacco, drug use and ultimately addiction”.

Professionals also voice their concerns. “Sniffy” is certainly composed of legal products such as citrulline, creatine, taurine, but its consumption is not without danger. First of all, there is a risk for people with heart problems. Snorting this powder can also lead to the consumption of drugs and particularly cocaine being trivialized, fears Doctor William Lowenstein, president of SOS Addictions. “The fight against addictions is how to delay the age of first use. Now, because of this kind of cynical marketing, we should add how to delay the age of first bad imitations. Snorting is too similar to cocaine. There is no point in promoting this nasal use.he insists on franceinfo.