Tobacco is a processed agricultural product obtained from the leaves of the Nicotiana plant. Since long back in America, chewing tobacco has been treated as an entheogen (a psychoactive substance used in religious contexts). Chewing tobacco popularized as a trade item and a recreational drug. The absorption quantity, frequency of intake are directly related to the biological strength of nicotine dependence, addiction and tolerance. Approximately 1.1 billion and up to 1/3rd of the adult population are engaged into chewing tobacco worldwide.
Chewing Tobacco and Health Compromises:
Tobacco consists of a neurotoxin called ‘nicotine’ which is poisonous to human health. According to the World Health Organization, 5.4 million deaths per year are tobacco-attributed. Bhutan is the only country where tobacco sale is illegal. It can cause serious damages to oral systems, nervous systems and digestive systems.
How do people chew tobacco?
- Chewing tobacco had been the most prevalent way of tobacco consumption in the U.S. until cigarette smoking was introduced.
- Today Chewing tobacco in U.S. is confined to rural and Southern areas.
- Chewing tobacco is considered as “smokeless tobacco consumption”.
- Long strands of whole Nicotiana leaves are used.
- Tobacco chewers place a portion of tobacco between their cheek and gum or teeth and chew.
- The leaves are not ground but are mechanically crushed within the teeth to release flavour (Nicotine).
- The unwanted juices are expectorated into a spittoon.
History supporting Tobacco Chewing Facts:
- Long ago, North & South Americans chewed the leaves of the plant mixing with mineral lime.
- South Americans prevalently produced tobacco and earned prices from worldwide.
- In U.S. tobacco chewing was culturally associated with sports, especially with baseball. But now usage of tobacco by participants has been banned.
- Historical evidences proves chewing tobacco was part of the rituals of Iroquois celebrations in North America.
Advertising for Tobacco Chewing:
Using ‘Mail Pouch Tobacco Barn’ sign was the most successful mode of advertising during the year 1890-1992. In recent times, the famous tobacco selling brands are:- Beechnut, Morgan tobacco, Chattanooga Chew etc.
