The Forgotten Story Of Tobacco

Tobacco, a plant that once held spiritual significance and was used as a ceremonial offering, has now become an epidemic in our modern world. One of the most exploited plants globally, tobacco has undergone a radical transformation from a sacred ritual to a widely accepted, yet dangerous, daily habit. In this blog, we'll take a journey into the heart of smoking, exploring its origins, the reasons behind our widespread acceptance of it, and the profound changes that occur when we decide to gain control over our smoking habits.

The Ritual of Tobacco:

Centuries ago, tobacco was a symbol of gratitude and connection to nature, the creator, the divine. Indigenous communities like the Arawak and Taino people used it as a ceremonial offering to the creator when prayers were made, when a person needed help and to communicate with spirits. Rather than smoking, they would lay the leaves on the ground or burn them, allowing the smoke to rise toward the heavens. The act was a deeply spiritual one, healing the body by clearing the mind and restoring balance.

The Accidental Inhalation:

When Spanish explorers encountered these rituals, they were intrigued and attempted to replicate them. However, when they placed the leaves in their mouth and burnt them, they inadvertently inhaled the smoke, leading to an unexpected rush of sensations. Their heart beat faster and a sudden head rush created a mild psychoactive experience. This enjoyable feeling was the beginning of a habit that would persist for centuries.

Manipulative Marketing:

Cigarette companies are notorious for exploiting the tobacco plant, and our propensity to want to “fit in” and follow social trends. In the 1940s, cigarette advertisements took a bold and audacious turn. These campaigns painted smoking as the epitome of coolness, sexiness, and attractiveness. A prime example is the iconic "Marlboro Man" campaign which featured rugged, masculine figures in cowboy attire, puffing on cigarettes while symbolizing freedom and adventure. The intention was clear: to associate smoking with qualities like independence, allure, and a rugged charm that people aspired to emulate.

Another infamous example comes from the "You've come a long way, baby" slogan used by Virginia Slims in the late 1960s. This marketing strategy targeted women, implying that smoking their brand would empower them and elevate their status. It played on the desire for progress and equality, insinuating that smoking was a symbol of liberation and sophistication.

Cigarette companies capitalized on human psychology, exploiting our inherent need to belong and our tendency to be influenced by trends and cultural shifts. By portraying smoking as not only socially acceptable but also glamorous, these companies lured countless individuals into a habit that, for many, would prove to be incredibly difficult to break. These marketing tactics are a stark reminder of how influential and manipulative advertising can be in shaping our behaviours and choices.

From Public Health Improvement to Another Modern Epidemic:

Vape companies have followed a similar trajectory as traditional cigarette manufacturers, capitalizing on human psychology and marketing strategies that appeal to our desires and vulnerabilities. Vaping, initially introduced as a less toxic alternative to smoking, has evolved into a phenomenon that, in some respects, mirrors the habits and issues associated with traditional cigarette use.

Vaping devices, with their sleek designs and an array of appealing flavors, were initially marketed as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. These devices promised a reduced exposure to harmful chemicals and were portrayed as a means to quit smoking altogether. However, over time, vaping has grown into a widespread cultural phenomenon, especially among young people.

One of the striking parallels with cigarette marketing is how vaping products have been designed and advertised to be trendy, cool, and appealing to a younger demographic. Flavors like cotton candy, fruit punch, and bubble gum were crafted to attract adolescents, while sleek and pocket-sized vaping devices became fashion accessories. Social media played a significant role in promoting vaping culture, with influencers and celebrities often seen enjoying vape products in their posts.

This rapid expansion of vaping's popularity has raised serious concerns. While vaping may indeed be less toxic than traditional smoking, it is not without risks. Among other conditions, inflammation of the lungs, high blood pressure and loss of taste have emerged as consequences of vaping.

Creatures of Habit:

Habits, whether good or bad, are essentially non-conscious, automatic behaviours that we've learned, repeated, and subsequently automated in our daily lives. These behaviours occur without conscious thought or deliberate decision-making. Good habits, like eating healthily, drinking water, engaging in regular exercise, checking in with friends, nurturing hobbies, reading, or practicing meditation, contribute positively to our overall well-being. On the flip side, bad habits, such as mindlessly snacking on sugary sweets, nail-biting, or excessively smoking, are behaviours that are performed without conscious awareness and have detrimental effects on our health and quality of life. Understanding the nature of habits is a crucial step in making conscious choices that break us free from harmful patterns and replace them with positive ones.

A Solution for the Future:

To break free from the grip of smoking, it begins with recognizing that it is a health problem. It is simply poisonous to inhale smoke regularly. Would you eat 20 rotten tomatoes a day, injected with toxic chemicals? Of course not. We need to recognize modern day smoking as a habitual behaviour, instilled in our consciousness as cool, rebellious and sexy, an outdated idea promoted by money-hungry cigarette companies a century ago.

We need to be honest with ourselves and realize that, of course, we are okay without smoking. If we leave the cigarettes and vapes behind, we are not going to die. If anything, we will live longer! A lesser known fact about quitting nicotine is that after 3 days of not consuming it, it is completely out your system. Just as we outgrow childhood behaviours, we can outgrow our smoking habits and with all your abilities as an adult, I’m certain you can survive 3 days without smoking.

The last question I want to leave you with is this: how much do you love yourself? Do you have a child, sibling, parent or best friend you love and care for? Would you force them to inhale toxic chemicals 20 times a day, knowing it’s killing their lungs, their teeth and immune system? Certainly not. What would our health, wealth and sense of accomplishment feel like when we treat ourselves like someone we love and care for?

Returning to Nature:

I hope the future of smoking is a return to nature. I hope we re-establish the profound connection with the Earth and sky that the indigenous cultures had before we capitalised on their practices. We can remember to approach plants not merely as substances to be abused but as living entities with their own wisdom and healing potential. By embracing these medicinal practices in a way that is respectful and conscious, we can enrich not only our physical health but also our connection to nature and the spirit world. Reconnection with the natural world can serve as a bridge to the divine and the spirit realm and as we learn to work harmoniously with nature, we not only heal ourselves but also strengthen our bond with the earth, realizing that our well-being is intricately intertwined with the well-being of the planet itself.