A cigar is a rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco leaves, and the wrapper is the final, enclosing layer that holds the structure together. The question of whether this outermost layer contains nicotine is a common inquiry. Since the wrapper makes direct contact with the lips and mouth, its chemical composition is of particular interest. Understanding the wrapper’s nicotine concentration and how that substance is delivered clarifies the overall impact of smoking a cigar.
Composition of Cigar Wrappers
The cigar wrapper, often called the capa, is the most visible component of a premium cigar. It is made from a whole, high-quality tobacco leaf selected for its aesthetic appeal, texture, and flavor contribution. Leaves grown under cheesecloth canopies to diffuse sunlight produce thin, delicate “shade-grown” tobacco. Conversely, “sun-grown” varieties are exposed to direct sunlight, resulting in a thicker, more robust leaf. Regardless of the growing method, the leaf undergoes extensive curing and fermentation processes to enhance its color, flavor, and aroma.
Nicotine Content in Wrapper Leaves
Cigar wrappers contain nicotine because they are made from tobacco leaves. Nicotine is a natural alkaloid present throughout the Nicotiana tabacum plant, with the highest concentration found in the leaves. The nicotine concentration in the wrapper varies based on the tobacco variety and its position on the plant stalk. For example, darker wrappers, such as Maduro leaves, often undergo longer fermentation, which affects their chemical makeup and nicotine levels. Although the wrapper contributes an estimated 1.2 to 6 milligrams of nicotine, the bulk of the total nicotine content is found in the filler tobacco, which can contain 100 to 200 milligrams in a standard cigar.
Oral Absorption of Nicotine
Cigar smoke is generally more alkaline than cigarette smoke, often having a pH value of 8.5 or higher. This alkalinity, resulting from the tobacco’s curing and fermentation, greatly affects nicotine delivery. The alkaline nature of the smoke converts the nicotine into its un-ionized, or “freebase,” form. This molecular form is readily absorbed directly through the moist tissues of the mouth, known as transmucosal delivery. Consequently, cigar smokers do not need to inhale deeply to absorb a substantial dose of nicotine, as absorption occurs when the smoke contacts the buccal mucosa.