Table of Contents
What is Tobacco?
Tobacco is a plant native to the Americas, scientifically known as Nicotiana tabacum and other Nicotiana species. Its leaves contain nicotine, a potent alkaloid, and are used for smoking, chewing, or sniffing in various forms. Tobacco has a long history of use, dating back thousands of years, with deep cultural, ceremonial, and economic implications.
Other names given to tobacco:
- Nicotiana
- Quid
- Snuff
- Chew or Chewing Tobacco
- Cigar
- Cigarette
- Pipe Tobacco
- Shag
- Snus
- Dip
Experience
- Indigenous Practices: For many Indigenous peoples, tobacco is a sacred plant used in ceremonies, prayers, and healing practices. It is often offered to the earth, used to smudge, or smoked in pipes during rituals, carrying prayers to the Creator.
- Medicinal Use: Traditionally, tobacco was also used medicinally by Indigenous healers to treat a variety of ailments, from pain relief to antiseptic uses.
Effects
| Immediate and short-term | Stimulation: Nicotine acts as a stimulant, temporarily boosting alertness and energy. Mood Alteration: Some users report feelings of relaxation, stress relief, or a temporary mood elevation after using tobacco. Appetite Suppression: Nicotine can reduce appetite, which is why some people use tobacco as a weight management strategy, despite its health risks. Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Shortly after using tobacco, users often experience a spike in heart rate and blood pressure. Dizziness and Nausea: Especially among new users, tobacco can cause dizziness, light-headedness, and nausea. |
| Long-term | Addiction Cancer Heart Disease Respiratory Diseases Stroke Reproductive Health Issues Dental Problems Diminished Sense of Smell and Taste |
Benefits & Risks
| Benefits | Cultural and Ceremonial Use: Tobacco is considered sacred in many Indigenous cultures, used in rituals, as offerings, and for medicinal purposes. Social Bonding: Smoking can be a communal activity that fosters social interactions. Stimulation and Relaxation: Nicotine’s stimulant effects can enhance alertness and concentration, while its use can also create a sense of relaxation. |
| Risks | Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, making it difficult for users to quit tobacco. Cancer, heart and respiratory diseases, if used in high quantity. |
Legality
Tobacco is legal but regulated in most countries.
History & Stats
- Pre-Columbian Americas: Indigenous peoples used tobacco for medicinal, ritual, and recreational purposes long before European contact.
- 16th Century Onward: Following European colonization of the Americas, tobacco became a popular commodity in Europe, often smoked, snuffed, or chewed.
- Industrialization: The 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of the commercial tobacco industry, with mass production of cigarettes making tobacco use widespread.
Important Note: Approach any substance with caution and understand its effects and risks. If you’ve had an experience with Tobacco and need support to integrate it, or if you’re planning to try it and want the best possible setting, book a session with one of our certified psychedelic coaches. Our experts provide personalised guidance to help you navigate and maximize the benefits of your experience while ensuring safety and well-being.
Our Psychedelic Coaches Integrating Tobacco Experiences
Hospice Chaplain and Interfaith Spiritual Director
Trauma Informed & Creativity Coach
Expert in integration work, psychologist and teacher with 20 years of experience in the field
Ceremonial Preparation and Psychedelic Integration Specialist
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner®, Internal Family System Coach (IFS), Social Worker
Depth psychology therapist applying Jungian and archetypal practices to psychedelic integration
Psychedelics Integration does not encourage or condone any illegal activities, including but not limited to the use of illegal substances. This guide aims to inform and reduce harm, not to replace medical, psychological, or psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Keep in mind that psychedelics work differently with everyone, due to many factors such as physical health, mental health, illnesses, set & setting and a mix of substances.