According to a scientific report published in Nature Human Behavior, the first uses of tobacco were over 12,000 years ago. In the 15th century, Native Americans introduced it to Portuguese and Spanish sailors who brought it back to Europe. The rest is, as they say, history. And that is how this troublesome miracle plant made its impact on the world.
Interestingly, the first practices of producing alcohol likely date back to the same time. Clearly, humans have always had an interest in plants and substances that modifies the way we see and experience the world. It is mostly the methods and substances that differ between cultures and geographies.
Why tobacco plants developed nicotine
Tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) produce nicotine as a poison which kills bugs and small herbivores who try to eat the leaves. This protects the plants, but nicotine also seems to influence other plants growing near the tobacco, making them less successful. This further helps protect the tobacco plants.
Many older pesticides used by farmers to protect their crops were based on nicotine. Later, scientists created artificial forms of the toxin called synthetic neonicotinoids which are still in use today. So, how did a potent toxin, naturally developed to protect a plant, become a vice among humans?
How nicotine “modifies” the brain
When humans are exposed to nicotine, it impacts many different processes in the body. It is classified as a stimulant and known for both its psychoactive and its addictive properties. Nicotine affects the central nervous system by interacting with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are located in the brain, muscles, and other parts of the body. So how does that work on a human inhaling or applying nicotine?
When nicotine is inhaled, the toxin reaches the brain in seconds. When absorbed from chewing gums, nicotine pouches or patches on the skin, it takes longer, and the effect is more gradual. In the brain, nicotine triggers a release of neurotransmitters, which affect mood, attention, and reward processing.
Instant reward at a price
One of the most significant effects is the release of dopamine, which creates pleasure and reinforcement. It also impacts the production of norepinephrine which increases alertness and arousal as well as serotonin which affects mood and appetite. Finally, it helps produce endorphins which provide a mild pain relief and pleasure.
Ok, so in plain English – what does that do to a person? It increases the heart rate and blood pressure as well as a person’s ability to concentrate and focus. It takes the edge of stress and reduces anxiety. As an encore, it reduces appetite. So far, it seems like a miracle plant that many people would want to use. But it comes with a dark side effect.
A troublesome miracle plant
Unfortunately, the brain quickly adapts to nicotine, requiring ever higher doses to achieve the same effects (tolerance). People who have become used to the effects, soon need more nicotine to have the same impact.
But also, without nicotine in the system, people who have become dependent start experiencing withdrawal symptoms (irritability, cravings, anxiety, trouble concentrating). There seems to be different opinions around if there are any safe levels of nicotine where a person can avoid withdrawal.
Nothing like it?
Caffeine, found in for example coffee, has some of the nicotine’s stimulating effect. But nicotine has a dual-action effect; stimulating the brain in lower doses, while having a calming effect in higher.
Interestingly, ADHD medications like Ritalin or Adderall also stimulate dopamine production, allowing patients to focus more easily and feel calmer despite their stimulant properties. There are other foodstuffs, fruits, berries and plants which have an impact on different processes in our bodies and brains. But nothing like nicotine, really.
Is addiction the price?
Addiction can be a major problem for some. But smoking tobacco is one of the worst killers of our world. Burning tobacco has been proven many years ago to be devastating for our health. So, the price for smoking tobacco could be serious health problems or worse. This is why we say that tobacco is the troublesome miracle plant. It comes with many benefits for people, but the addiction and dangers of smoking tobacco are substantial issues not to be taken lightly.
Snus, snuff, nicotine pouches and chewing gums on the other hand allow for the intake of nicotine in much less dangerous ways. The research on risks of snus and nicotine pouches is still unclear, with few long-term health risks documented so far. So here, the risk of becoming addicted is probably the only risk. To learn more about our process for turning raw tobacco into snus and chewbags, go here.
So, how should I think about the risk?
If you are smoking tobacco today, moving to smokeless tobacco like chewing bags or snus means slashing the health risks substantially. Going from smokeless tobacco to nicotine pouches reduces the risk further since a few toxins from the tobacco plant can be eliminated with pure nicotine.
As a consumer, you must always monitor your consumption and use nicotine in moderation. And don’t fall for tobacco companies saying that tobacco free products are better – most contain nicotine derived from tobacco. Also, don’t fall for the statement that synthetic nicotine is safer than natural. It is just marketing BS, but I’ll save that for another article.
/Robert
