Growing up in a small town in the Midwest, my friends and I were always looking for ways to fit in and feel like adults. We were too young to buy cigarettes, but we wanted to impress the older kids in our neighborhood. That’s when we discovered little cigars.
Little cigars are small and slender cigars, similar in size to cigarettes but with a distinct tobacco taste. They come in a variety of flavors and are marketed as a cheaper alternative to cigarettes. As a teenager, the thought of smoking a cigar made me feel cool and sophisticated, and the smaller size made it less intimidating than a traditional cigar.
But what exactly are little cigars? Are they any different from regular cigars or cigarettes? And what are the potential health risks associated with smoking them? Let’s delve deeper into the world of little cigars to find out.
History of Little Cigars
The history of little cigars can be traced back to the mid-19th century. At that time, cigars were hand-rolled and expensive, making them a luxury item for the elite. But as technology advanced and machines were introduced, tobacco companies were able to mass-produce cigars, making them more affordable for the general public.
In the late 1800s, cigar manufacturers began creating smaller versions of cigars, aptly named “little cigars.” These were marketed as a more affordable option for everyday people and were often sold in packs of 20 or 25, just like cigarettes. Over time, little cigars became popular among working-class individuals who enjoyed the taste and experience of smoking a cigar but couldn’t afford the high price tag of traditional cigars.
Today, little cigars are still a popular alternative to cigarettes and traditional cigars. They come in various styles, including rolled and filtered, and are available in different flavors such as cherry, vanilla, and chocolate.
How Are Little Cigars Made?
The process of making little cigars is similar to that of regular cigars. First, tobacco leaves are harvested and aged to develop their unique flavors and aromas. Once aged, the leaves are then fermented and dried before being assembled into a filler, binder, and wrapper.
The filler is a blend of different tobaccos, while the binder is a leaf that holds the filler together. The wrapper is made from high-quality, aged tobacco leaves and is the outermost layer of the cigar. Unlike traditional cigars, little cigars use short filler, which is made from smaller pieces of tobacco instead of long, whole leaves. This is one of the reasons why little cigars are more affordable than regular cigars.
Once the little cigars are rolled and shaped, they are often machine-packed and sealed in airtight packaging to maintain freshness. The packaging also includes a filter, which helps to reduce the amount of smoke and tar that is inhaled.
Are Little Cigars Different From Traditional Cigars?
While little cigars are similar to traditional cigars in terms of appearance and flavor, there are some significant differences between the two. One of the most notable differences is the size. Little cigars are typically shorter and thinner than regular cigars and are closer in size to cigarettes.
Another difference is the way they are made. Traditional cigars are hand-rolled using long filler tobacco leaves, while little cigars are machine-made, using short filler tobacco. This is reflected in the price, as little cigars are generally cheaper than traditional cigars.
In terms of taste, little cigars often have added flavors, which can make them more appealing to younger smokers. However, this also means that little cigars can contain more chemicals and additives, which can pose health risks.
Health Risks of Smoking Little Cigars
Just like cigarettes and traditional cigars, smoking little cigars can have serious health consequences. According to the National Cancer Institute, cigars, including little cigars, contain the same toxins and carcinogens as cigarettes and are associated with a higher risk of various cancers, heart disease, and respiratory problems.
One of the reasons for this is the way little cigars are smoked. Unlike traditional cigars, which are often smoked leisurely, little cigars are often smoked like cigarettes, with shorter, faster puffs. This leads to higher levels of toxic chemicals being inhaled and absorbed into the body.
Furthermore, little cigars are often marketed as a “safer” alternative to cigarettes, leading many people, including teenagers, to believe that they are not as harmful. This misconception can lead to an increase in little cigar consumption, further perpetuating the harmful effects.
Final Thoughts
As a former little cigar smoker, I now regret my teenage decision to try them. They may have made me feel cool and grown-up at the time, but the potential health risks were not worth it. Whether it’s cigarettes, traditional cigars, or little cigars, smoking is harmful to your health, and there is no safe amount of tobacco consumption.
While little cigars may seem like a more affordable and less intimidating option for those wanting to smoke a cigar, the reality is that they pose the same health risks as cigarettes and traditional cigars. As consumers, it’s important to educate ourselves on the products we are consuming and make informed decisions about our health and well-being.