Cigars are tightly rolled bundles of aged and fermented tobacco designed to be enjoyed without drawing the smoke into the lungs. This common practice is not merely a matter of tradition or preference; it is rooted firmly in the distinct chemical makeup of cigar tobacco and the physiological effects that smoke has on the body. Understanding the science behind this tradition explains why the experience of smoking a cigar is fundamentally different from that of a cigarette.
The Chemistry of Cigar Smoke
The primary reason for not inhaling cigar smoke is the high alkalinity of the smoke itself. Cigar tobacco is typically air-cured and fermented, leading to a much higher pH level, often around 8.5. This alkalinity is a significant factor in how the body absorbs nicotine.
A high pH causes the nicotine in the smoke to exist predominantly in its un-ionized, or “freebase,” form. This freebase nicotine is volatile and easily passes through mucous membranes. The chemical difference means that cigar smoke delivers nicotine without needing to travel deep into the respiratory system, unlike acidic cigarette smoke.
Oral Nicotine Absorption
The body is designed to rapidly absorb freebase nicotine through the lining of the mouth, known as the buccal mucosa. When cigar smoke is held in the mouth, the alkaline nature of the smoke allows the nicotine to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissues of the gums, cheeks, and under the tongue. This direct absorption route means that the desired physiological effect of nicotine can be achieved without deep inhalation into the lungs.
A single large cigar can contain a substantial amount of tobacco, sometimes equivalent to an entire pack of cigarettes, and holds a high total nicotine content. Even without inhaling, the oral absorption of this concentrated, freebase nicotine is sufficient to cause dependence and produce a psychoactive effect. This efficient oral pathway removes the necessity of using the lungs for nicotine delivery.
Severe Lung Irritation
The most immediate reason to avoid inhaling cigar smoke is the extreme irritation it causes to sensitive lung tissues. Cigar smoke is often denser and contains significantly higher concentrations of toxic and carcinogenic compounds compared to cigarette smoke. The fermentation process of cigar tobacco, for instance, produces higher levels of cancer-causing nitrosamines.
Cigar smoke contains elevated levels of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and tar. When this highly concentrated, alkaline smoke is drawn into the lungs, it can cause an intense burning sensation, severe coughing, and lightheadedness. Repeated inhalation of this harsh smoke dramatically increases the risk of serious long-term respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and emphysema. The volume of smoke produced by a large cigar over a long smoking period also means a much greater total exposure to these harmful substances.
Mastering the Cigar Draw
The correct method for enjoying a cigar focuses entirely on the flavor profile and the experience of the smoke within the mouth. The technique involves a gentle “puff” or “draw” that pulls the smoke into the mouth only, similar to sipping a drink. The smoke is held briefly to allow the taste and aroma to be savored and for oral nicotine absorption to occur, before being exhaled smoothly.
A proper cigar draw should be slow and measured to keep the cigar burning evenly without overheating. An advanced technique called “retrohaling” involves pushing a small amount of the smoke out through the nasal passages, which enhances the perception of flavor through the olfactory senses. This is done gently and intentionally, remaining distinct from deep inhalation into the lungs.