Cigars can get you buzzed even if you don't inhale the smoke because nicotine, the active compound, is readily absorbed through the lining of your mouth.
The Mechanism of Oral Nicotine Absorption
Unlike cigarettes, where most nicotine is absorbed through the lungs, cigars deliver significant amounts of nicotine through a different pathway: the oral mucosa. When you smoke a cigar, the smoke sits in your mouth for a period, allowing nicotine to dissolve in saliva and then be absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the rich network of blood vessels present in the mouth's lining, including the gums, cheeks, and under the tongue.
Even without drawing the smoke into the lungs, large amounts of nicotine can enter your body this way. This is because cigar smoke is typically more alkaline than cigarette smoke, which makes nicotine more easily absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth. This direct absorption bypasses the lungs and delivers the nicotine systemically, leading to its psychoactive effects.
Nicotine's Impact and the "Buzz"
The "buzz" experienced from nicotine is a result of its rapid journey to the brain. Once absorbed, nicotine acts as a stimulant, triggering the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine. This can lead to feelings of pleasure, alertness, and relaxation, which is often perceived as a "buzz." The speed and amount of nicotine reaching the brain determine the intensity of this effect.
To learn more about how nicotine affects the brain, you can consult resources from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Understanding Nicotine Dependence with Cigars
It's a common misconception that because cigar smoke isn't typically inhaled, it carries less risk or is less addictive than cigarettes. However, the substantial nicotine absorption through the mouth lining means that smoking cigars still carries a significant risk of nicotine dependence. You can get as much nicotine as you would if you smoked cigarettes, especially if you inhale, but even without inhalation, the body absorbs enough to cause dependency.
This pathway of absorption is efficient enough to create and sustain nicotine addiction. Therefore, choosing cigars over cigarettes does not lower your risk of becoming dependent on nicotine.
Comparison of Nicotine Delivery Pathways
The table below illustrates the primary ways nicotine enters the body depending on the smoking method:
| Smoking Method | Primary Nicotine Absorption Site | Nicotine Absorption Amount (Potential) | Risk of "Buzz" & Dependence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigarettes | Lungs (inhalation) | High | High |
| Cigars (Inhaled) | Lungs (inhalation) | Very High (comparable to cigarettes) | High |
| Cigars (Not Inhaled) | Mouth Lining (oral mucosa) | High (large amounts can be absorbed) | High |
Key Takeaways
- Oral Absorption: Cigars provide a buzz because nicotine is absorbed directly through the mouth lining, bypassing the need for inhalation.
- Significant Nicotine Delivery: Even without inhaling, large amounts of nicotine can enter your bloodstream this way.
- Dependence Risk: This absorption method is potent enough to cause and maintain nicotine dependence, similar to cigarettes.
- No Lowered Risk: Smoking cigars instead of cigarettes does not reduce your risk of becoming addicted to nicotine.
