Why Don’t you Inhale Cigars?

Why don’t you inhale cigars? It’s a common point of confusion, especially for those who are new to cigars or are more familiar with smoking cigarettes. While the mechanics of smoking a cigar may seem similar to smoking a cigarette, there’s a key difference in how each is meant to be enjoyed. Here’s why you shouldn’t inhale cigars:

1. The Strength of the Smoke

Cigars are much stronger than cigarettes when it comes to their tobacco content. The tobacco used in cigars is generally thicker and more potent, meaning it contains higher levels of nicotine. When you inhale cigar smoke into your lungs, you’re absorbing nicotine at a faster rate, which can lead to unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and even a nicotine overdose.

2. The Difference in Smoke Composition

Cigar smoke contains more oils and heavier particles than cigarette smoke. These particles can irritate the sensitive tissues in your lungs, leading to coughing, discomfort, and potentially long-term damage. The smoke from a cigar is thicker and more concentrated, making it much harder to breathe in comfortably.

3. The Design of Cigars

Cigars are meant to be smoked in a different way than cigarettes. Cigarettes are designed for quick puffs and inhalation, with the smoke quickly entering the lungs and then exhaled. Cigars, on the other hand, are meant to be savored. When you take a draw from a cigar, you should simply pull the smoke into your mouth, letting it roll around your tongue, and then exhale it. This allows you to taste the complex flavors and aromas of the tobacco, without inhaling the smoke into your lungs.

4. Health Considerations

Inhaling cigar smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory diseases just like cigarette smoking. While not inhaling does reduce these risks, it’s important to note that cigars still pose significant health risks. The nicotine in cigars is absorbed through the lining of the mouth, which can lead to dependence, and smoking cigars still increases the risk of oral cancers, gum disease, and heart problems.

5. Nicotine Absorption

When smoking a cigar, nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth and the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. This means that you don’t need to inhale to get the nicotine effects. If you try to inhale, you’re essentially overloading your system with nicotine, which can lead to an unpleasant or even dangerous experience.

6. Enjoying the Flavor

Cigars are typically crafted to provide a complex range of flavors. Inhaling changes the way the smoke is absorbed, which can prevent you from experiencing the full profile of flavors. By puffing and savoring the smoke in your mouth, you’re able to appreciate the nuances of the tobacco—like earthy, spicy, sweet, or woody notes—without the harshness that comes with inhaling.

Summary: The Takeaway

In short, you don’t inhale cigars because they’re not designed for inhalation, and doing so can lead to discomfort, nicotine overload, and respiratory issues. Cigars are meant to be savored through the mouth, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors and smooth experience without the need to inhale. Instead of inhaling, focus on slow, deliberate puffs to fully appreciate the cigar’s character and complexity.

If you’re new to cigars, remember: it’s all about the experience of savoring the smoke—taking time to relax and enjoy the moment. Let the cigar’s flavors speak for themselves, and your enjoyment will be far more fulfilling!