Smoking is... good?

[Gonzo]

Hi Aragorn,

I have wondered for a few years if other components of tobacco work in synergy with nicotine and to take only nicotine might not be an optimum solution and possibly cause problems.

I started thinking this way after being prescribed THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary cannabinoid in cannabis - the component that allegedly causes the "high", for chronic nerve pain.

After that didn't work out, I was presented with a sequence of other products BigPharma had either extracted or synthesized or a combination of both, all based around THC. Whatever mild benefit I would get was short lived.

My pain specialist was curious and prescribed me the real thing, which made a huge difference. However, even that wasn't good enough for the severity of pain I was experiencing and back to opioids I went.

But my curiosity was piqued.

After a lot of research, I discovered that there are several other cannabinoids that work in synergy with THC, including CBD (Cannabidiol) and CBN (Cannabinol). The former adds to the pleasurable feeling, increases energy and mental clarity while the latter, a by-product of oxidization,promotes lethargy, confusion and fatigue.

There seems to be a delicate dance between all of these substances which alter the effect on the body and mind.

I feel the same way about clean tobacco, there are several components and we don't fully understand their roles but I would not be surprised that the optimum benefits come from smoking the entire leaf and not just consuming an isolate.

I have always been an outside smoker as both my ex-wife and current partner react even to the smell on my hands or clothes, let alone the smoke itself. The reactions were so severe I would never want to be responsible for causing them.

Therefore, I have made comfortable places in my backyard or garage to smoke and wash my hands and face if I will be getting close to my partner soon after.

Smoking time is me time. I often read during this time and find the experience quite rewarding (although I sometimes stay out later than expected due to being captivated by what I might be reading, like this forum.


My thoughts, FWIW,
Gonzo

 

[jhonny]

I want to share here a familiar experience:
My father in law is a smoker for 60 years or so, now is a little poor health but there is something very interesting that my mother in law says ... "He has never suffered from any disease "..." the only" bad "is that He smokes too much",I know him for 10 years or so and he really is a very healthy, plus he is a very quiet man is never seen depressed.
Doctors say he has a lung efficema due to cigarette, this sounds a bit contradictory because he has always been very healthy.

And I have a question regarding this issue of smoking:
I stopped smoking about 4 years ago and (because of all the propaganda), but now I'm back to smoking about 3 months ago and I really feel great.
I have been reading sessions with the C's about smoking, and from what I understand there is a certain amount of nicotine (or some amount of cigarettes) that can be smoked per day.
My question is whether a person smokes a lot more than that amount, may certainly have health problems?

This question is done for the example of my father in law

Thanks

 

[Gonzo]

Your father-in-law may have had exposure to other things that harmed his lungs and caused emphysema.

Since doctors are programmed to believe tobacco causes lung disease, they probably never even considered another cause once they knew he smoked.

For example, my ex-father-in-law developed emphysema and lung cancer 7 years after quitting smoking. The doctors told him the smoking did the damage, even though he worked in a lacquer coating spray booth for a number of years. As well, he liver through the years when cigarettes had fiberglass filters and worked in old buildings with asbestos insulation.
Nicotine can cause poisoning. In fact, one drop on your tongue apparently could be fatal. The amount one gets in a cigarette is tiny compared to a drop.

It would be difficult to intentionally smoke enough to be toxic as your system would most likely make you vomit and feel quite ill, stopping you from taking any more.

To keep things in perspective, anything can be toxic if one takes in enough, including water.

But I cannot imagine nicotine turning lungs into the swiss cheese of emphysema.
Gonzo

 

[pete02]

And I have a question regarding this issue of smoking:
I stopped smoking about 4 years ago and (because of all the propaganda), but now I'm back to smoking about 3 months ago and I really feel great.
I have been reading sessions with the C's about smoking, and from what I understand there is a certain amount of nicotine (or some amount of cigarettes) that can be smoked per day.
My question is whether a person smokes a lot more than that amount, may certainly have health problems?

Are we talking about regular cigarettes or organically grown non additive tobacco? Sorry if I missed it but if your father in law was smoking say Marlboros or some equivalent I would think it could definitely cause damage. As for organically grown stuff I personally find that if I overdo it I end up with a headache but after a few hours I'm fine. I'm not really sure if someone could smoke enough to do damage without having some warning signs early on first.

 

[aragorn]

A few things comes to my mind:

1) Smoking is the best delivery mechanism, according to the C's
(so why use lozenges (binders), fake cigs (ethylene glycol?), patches,
courtesy of Big Pharma, and so on?)
2) Do that which favours your destiny
3) Overcome your fear of perceived consequences.

May I remind you that smokers will most likely be
treated negatively by the PTB and their ilk, that is
their aim, it is expected, so do you want submit to
their will... or to yours?

Family, friends, associates, strangers bother me daily
- expect attack and modes of the same? I have forced
them to adjust, made pains to be patient and never to
get angry - it quells their chances for further attacks
in getting you to submit to their will, not yours.

If you can, find a place where you can smoke privately,
go there to your hearts content. This is another tool; if
your family want you to be home more often than out
for smoking, they may be willing to give you "allowance",
in your own designated area. Be resourceful - if need be,
build a smoking "shack" in your backyard. Use your
imagination. "When there is a will, there is a way"

I have declared a smoking room in my house - it is air filtered,
sealed, and quiet. A computer room, and music to listen to.
A smoking jacket is optional :D

FWIW,
Dan

Hi Dant, I think you're absolutely right in what you say. However, I think I have to wait for some time to implement this. Right now my wife is pregnant, overworked and full of worries for the future. We watched the clips from a 'recent gathering' together and my wife felt uncomfortable seeing how many people were smoking all the time. She said: "You know, just so that you know...I will not accept that you start smoking! So even though your friends might do that, I will not have it, period!" I knew that this wasn't the time to argue about this, but I just said: "I understand, but by the way did you know that research has found nicotine actually very beneficial. They even treat Alzheimer patients with nicotine." She said: "Well, that might be, but the tar and all that stuff is very dangerous!" I said: "Yes, but organic tobacco don't have those things in it." Right then she was already heading to the kitchen so the discussion ended there. But maybe I planted a seed, who knows...

 

[Gonzo]

It's a delicate balance between one's free will and another's, especially if the other believes they are making a health decision even if it is based on misinformation and are not interested in learning the facts that contradict their current beliefs.

Relationships often require constant compromise.

The amount of fear many partners have toward cancer and emphysema is significant.

My partner's mother died of lung cancer and the doctors connected it to her smoking, not the face that she lived on toast, tea and evening rum and cokes.

She had vowed she would never date a smoker. But only a few years later, her friends were surprised to see her dating me, a smoker.
Early into our relationship I had told her I wanted to quit and she invested substantial hope in that outcome.

A few years ago, before I found the Cass material and this forum, I was looking for cleaner tobacco as a form of minimizing risk.

After joining the forum and learning so much about tobacco, I decided that if my body did not complain about organic tobacco, I would smoke to the level by body tells me is appropriate. I let her know I was having second thoughts about quitting and had adopted a different attitude towards tobacco.

She recently had what we used to call a nervous breakdown due to losing her job and I wouldn't be surprised if my quitting quitting has contributed to some degree. I provide her with research when she is interested, but for her to accept the truth as we see it, she would have to let go of a lot, thereby shaking what little foundation she has left.

This is not the time for me to come out and tell her I expect to be smoking the rest of my life and that I don't believe organic tobacco causes illness.

The vagueness of my smoking attitude seems apropos at this time.

As well, the smell of cigarette smoke makes her nauseas, provokes a visible allergy response through swollen sinuses and red , itchy eyes and gives her a headache. So, I smoke on the porch or in the garage, wash my hands and face and rinse my mouth when I return. It's quite the ritual now.

I often wonder how much of her allergy response is psychosomatic, but this is most certainly not the time to even suggest that. Maybe after she is able to move forward with her agoraphobia, extreme anxiety and deep depression, would I consider such things, but status quo seems pretty good right now.

If someone's partner is pregnant and fully programmed to abhor and fear tobacco, it might not be such a good time to offer knowledge. Besides, if I remember correctly, the hormonal changes that tend to come with pregnancy don't always work to one's advantage when broaching difficult topics in which the pregnant partner already has an emotional investment.

So I get that sometimes leaving some battles for a later date can be a wise strategy.

Gonzo

 

[dant]

So I get that sometimes leaving some battles for a later date can be a wise strategy.

A quick response to a subjective/negative/manipulated
statement, without careful strategy, is a battle lost.

 

[Oxajil]

Okay so as some of you might know, I've started to smoke for some days now.

I never smoked in my life so I didn't really feel a need for it. But I have to admit, that one part of me was curious. So I ended up learning it, and rolling my own (not the best roller though, yet!). I have noticed that when I smoke I:

- feel happy. There is this feeling in the cheeks/cheekbones that I get when I feel really good, like really good! And I've had it when I once ate pure chocolate, quinoa and chicken. But I get it only some times.
However, with smoking, I get it every time :D

- feel relaxed. It makes me go totally lean back and relax.

- my head feels more clear and I can think better.

I also find it fun to blow out the smoke :D. I kinda have the attitude of trying to have fun with whatever I do. I don't feel addicted to it either, it just is nice, I guess. So, thank you guys for introducing it to me!

Still practicing on the inhaling! Do I like keep the smoke in my mouth, then breath in with my nose, and then out through the mouth? And when I inhale from the cigarette, do I close the nose? Sometimes I accidently inhale through the mouth ánd nose and that isn't very pleasant.

 

[Approaching Infinity]

Okay so as some of you might know, I've started to smoke for some days now.

I never smoked in my life so I didn't really feel a need for it. But I have to admit, that one part of me was curious. So I ended up learning it, and rolling my own (not the best roller though, yet!). I have noticed that when I smoke I:

- feel happy. There is this feeling in the cheeks/cheekbones that I get when I feel really good, like really good! And I've had it when I once ate pure chocolate, quinoa and chicken. But I get it only some times.
However, with smoking, I get it every time :D

- feel relaxed. It makes me go totally lean back and relax.

- my head feels more clear and I can think better.

I also find it fun to blow out the smoke :D. I kinda have the attitude of trying to have fun with whatever I do. I don't feel addicted to it either, it just is nice, I guess. So, thank you guys for introducing it to me!

Still practicing on the inhaling! Do I like keep the smoke in my mouth, then breath in with my nose, and then out through the mouth? And when I inhale from the cigarette, do I close the nose? Sometimes I accidently inhale through the mouth ánd nose and that isn't very pleasant.

Not sure if everyone does it the same, but for me I try to inhale the smoke into my mouth first (like sucking water through a straw) then I take a deep breath to bring it into my lungs. Or you can just inhale deeply from the cigarette as if you're taking a big breath through a small pipe (another type of pipe breathing!). I do both. It can be unpleasant if you accidentally breathe the smoke in through your nose, but once you've got the inhale down, then you can let some of the smoke exit your mouth and breathe it in through your nose for a pleasant effect (the French inhale!).

 

[shijing]

Hi Oxajil --

Still practicing on the inhaling! Do I like keep the smoke in my mouth, then breath in with my nose, and then out through the mouth? And when I inhale from the cigarette, do I close the nose? Sometimes I accidently inhale through the mouth ánd nose and that isn't very pleasant.

When I smoke, I don't really involve my nose at all (it would be cool if we could make kind of an analogy with E/E, but I'm not sure it's very practical). I've noticed that when I smoke, I initially draw the smoke from my pipe into my mouth, which acts as kind of a cooling chamber I guess, then from my mouth into my lungs, then finally exhale from my mouth. Sometimes I will skip my mouth and just inhale directly into my lungs, it kind of depends. I also like to blow it up into the air over the head of whoever I'm talking to, or try to hit mosquitoes with the outbreath so they'll stay away from me -- I still can't do smoke rings though ;) Hope this helps...

 

[pete02]

Hi Oxajil --

Still practicing on the inhaling! Do I like keep the smoke in my mouth, then breath in with my nose, and then out through the mouth? And when I inhale from the cigarette, do I close the nose? Sometimes I accidently inhale through the mouth ánd nose and that isn't very pleasant.

When I smoke, I don't really involve my nose at all (it would be cool if we could make kind of an analogy with E/E, but I'm not sure it's very practical). I've noticed that when I smoke, I initially draw the smoke from my pipe into my mouth, which acts as kind of a cooling chamber I guess, then from my mouth into my lungs, then finally exhale from my mouth. Sometimes I will skip my mouth and just inhale directly into my lungs, it kind of depends. I also like to blow it up into the air over the head of whoever I'm talking to, or try to hit mosquitoes with the outbreath so they'll stay away from me -- I still can't do smoke rings though ;) Hope this helps...

Shijing you and I must smoke the exact same way cause I was just about to say the same thing. I even blow it up and away myself so it doesn't blow into anyone's face while I'm talking to them.

Glad to hear its working out for Oxajil. It may take some time before you can inhale normally but little by little and I'm sure you'll be fine. I wouldn't involve your nose too much though until you get more used to smoking. You might just end up choking yourself.

 

[Oxajil]

Not sure if everyone does it the same, but for me I try to inhale the smoke into my mouth first (like sucking water through a straw) then I take a deep breath to bring it into my lungs. Or you can just inhale deeply from the cigarette as if you're taking a big breath through a small pipe (another type of pipe breathing!). I do both. It can be unpleasant if you accidentally breathe the smoke in through your nose, but once you've got the inhale down, then you can let some of the smoke exit your mouth and breathe it in through your nose for a pleasant effect (the French inhale!).

I see, thanks AI! I'm excited to try it out.

When I smoke, I don't really involve my nose at all (it would be cool if we could make kind of an analogy with E/E, but I'm not sure it's very practical). I've noticed that when I smoke, I initially draw the smoke from my pipe into my mouth, which acts as kind of a cooling chamber I guess, then from my mouth into my lungs, then finally exhale from my mouth. Sometimes I will skip my mouth and just inhale directly into my lungs, it kind of depends. I also like to blow it up into the air over the head of whoever I'm talking to, or try to hit mosquitoes with the outbreath so they'll stay away from me -- I still can't do smoke rings though ;) Hope this helps...

LOL, thank you Shijing, it is certainly helpful! So no nose huh, got it!
Rings would be cool, maybe some day we will be able to make 'em :D and be all pro like AI

Shijing you and I must smoke the exact same way cause I was just about to say the same thing. I even blow it up and away myself so it doesn't blow into anyone's face while I'm talking to them.

Glad to hear its working out for Oxajil. It may take some time before you can inhale normally but little by little and I'm sure you'll be fine. I wouldn't involve your nose too much though until you get more used to smoking. You might just end up choking yourself.

Okay, thanks Pete! I'll write an update after some days or weeks again. Thanks again, guys, I'm glad I asked.

 

[slowone]

Oxajil,

It makes me smile when I remember seeing you smoke. You reminded me so much of a really good friend (Best friend actually) when I was about 15, who I started experimenting with smoking with. You looked so like her, you smoke so delicately.

I said to Alphonse I was trying to channel the Audrey Hepburn look when I smoke Kind of European sophistication, but I think I'm more Keith Richards than Audrey!!! :) I always take a lung full!!!! Thinking of getting a lovely cigarette holder a la Gaby.

Something came back to me thinking of you smoking. I went on a school trip to France when I was 15 with the friend I mentioned and we got caught smoking fags and drinking red wine behind the chateaux. My Aunt taught at the school and I got a roasting for it!!! Funny how these things come back to you. Perhaps France and smoking were an early sign of things to come for me!!! :)

On a practical note have any smokers got tips on the following:-

How to get rid of the Yellow stain I get on my right middle finger and which whitening toothpaste they use?

I have always had slightly yellow teeth but with the black tea and rollups I need to keep it in check.

 

[3DStudent]

I too restarted smoking cigarettes recently, I couldn't help myself in such a social situation :P. I learned how to roll better too. I'm just taking it slowly for the time as well. It is pretty nice to go outside in the Fall time and look at all the trees and smoke.

...I initially draw the smoke from my pipe into my mouth, which acts as kind of a cooling chamber I guess...

I think this is an important part if you don't want to burn your throat. If your initial inhale is pretty hot, just let it sit in your mouth for a second or two before inhaling. This way it seems to cool down and it doesn't irritate you when you inhale it.

I've never really tried too much to do smoke rings or the French Inhale. But I got some cigarillos today that maybe I could practice on :P.

 

[dant]

Ah, it is a worthy experience to blow smoke rings;
you get to watch it expand out in a 3D way and
watch entropy at work. Amazing phenomenon.

I'd bet Einstein, if not, someone, has written this
up somewhere as a mathematical equation via pure
observation (Fluid Dynamics?), but I digress.

Shijing: Inhale a strong draw into the mouth only
until it expands no longer, then open a round hole
in your mouth, then use the tongue only to quickly
push out the smoke. May have to practice a few
times adjusting the hole diameter + tongue push
and the push is a quick jab out and back. Think
of how a jackhammer works

Try a very still room, no air turbulence.