Cigarettes and the practice of smoking tobacco are rooted in both tradition and recreational enjoyment all over the world. While in some places various methods of smoking have fallen out of style, modern alternatives to classic cigarettes are becoming popular again with an emerging crowd. From chewing tobacco to snuff, hookah, cigars and pre-rolled cigarettes, read on to discover all the ways that humans have learned to enjoy this fascinating leaf and the most popular methods used today.

Smoking Tobacco Through the Ages

For as long as mankind could gather and harvest plants, humans have found a way to ingest and smoke them. While cultures around the world have smoked various plants and herbs, the history of tobacco in particular is intertwined with American Indigenous culture. People in the Americas grew, used, and traded their leaves from as early as 1400 BC, using the plants for various medicinal purposes, either by ingestion, smoking, or other methods. Many Indigenous tribes believed that tobacco was a gift from the creator and would smoke rolled leaves both recreationally and ceremonially. Cigarettes hold historic significance in Indigenous communities, and many Native Americans continue to advocate for their respectful usage to this day.

After the onset of colonialism and the European Age of Exploration in the 1500’s, tobacco slowly grew in popularity around the world. By the 1700’s, smoking tobacco as well as chewing and snuffing were preferred methods throughout Europe and the European colonies. Snuffing is the process of inhaling ground-up tobacco leaves, while chewing tobacco (or chew) and its shredded form (dip) is compacted into a ball and lightly chewed. It is thought that chewing tobacco is the oldest method for tobacco consumption, though it isn't as popular a practice today as it once was.

Roll-up cigarettes made with loose-leaf tobacco and rolled into papers were the precursors to today's classic filtered cigarette. In 1880, James A. Bonsack revolutionized the tobacco industry by inventing a cigarette rolling machine. This invention made pre-rolled cigarettes a more convenient option and led to the popularization of smoking. In fact, after 1910, cigarette smoking became the dominant way for tobacco users to enjoy tobacco. During the prohibition era, cigarette smoking became popular with women as a way to challenge gender norms.

Today, cotton filters have been added as an option to help reduce the consumption of tar and nicotine found in tobacco leaves. Smokers can also choose from full-bodied, light and ultra-light cigarettes depending on their taste preference. Like with any consumable product, it’s important to know how to store your cigarettes to keep them fresh for optimal enjoyment.

Pipes and Cigars

Other than pre-rolled cigarettes, pipes and cigars lead the way for recreational tobacco lovers. Tobacco pipes can be simple or artfully crafted and consist of a bowl, a thin stem, and a mouthpiece. Shreds of tobacco are placed in the bowl and ignited, then the smoke is drawn from the stem through the mouthpiece. Other pipe-like methods of smoking tobacco include hookah, which uses water filtration and often mix the tobacco with flavorants for a pleasant taste.

Cigars are another popular method of smoking tobacco with a culture and following all its own. Like cigarettes, cigars are rolled, though usually wider and longer than a traditional cigarette and feature bundles of dried and fermented leaves. Unlike pipes and cigarettes, cigars take longer to smoke and are ideal for relaxation, while cigarettes are preferred for convenience.

Modern Alternatives

Vaping is one of the most modern alternative methods of smoking, and uses an electronic device or pen to deliver vaporized flavored nicotine. Similar to hookah, vaping doesn’t involve burning tobacco, and can have its own drawbacks. Even though the initial draw of vaping for many was the notion that it was somewhat healthier than traditional smoking, the long-term risks are still unknown.

Today, smokers who want to practice intention are looking back to tradition when it comes to their pre-rolled cigarettes. While the effects of using tobacco are well known, those who wish to preserve the practice of smoking in a thoughtful and respectful way can look towards brands that support indigenous communities.

Those looking for that classic cigarette smoking experience with a modern twist seek out pre-rolled cigarettes made with high-quality tobacco. Today, it's easier than ever to find cigarettes with a clean, smooth flavor that are both additive-free and made with 100%, high-quality tobacco. Premium tobacco like Rolled Gold cigarettes not only offers a satisfying smoke, but when you purchase them online, you can give back to small communities as well, no matter where you are in the world. Shopping for cigarettes from Indigenous owned, independent businesses can help to preserve tradition and enjoy quality all at the same time.