what is tobacco

Tobacco is a plant in the Nicotiana genus, particularly Nicotiana tabacum, whose leaves are dried, cured, and used for smoking, chewing, or snuffing. It contains nicotine, a powerful and addictive stimulant that affects the nervous system.

Main Forms of Tobacco Use:

Cigarettes – the most common form, where dried tobacco is rolled in paper and smoked.

Cigars – larger rolls of tobacco, often stronger and more expensive.

Chewing tobacco – placed between the cheek and gum.

Snuff – finely ground tobacco inhaled or placed in the mouth.

Hookah/shisha – flavored tobacco smoked through a water pipe.

Health Effects:

Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable disease and death worldwide. It is associated with:

Lung cancer, throat cancer, and other cancers

Heart disease and stroke

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Addiction due to nicotine

Even smokeless tobacco (like chewing tobacco or snuff) is harmful and can cause oral cancer, gum disease, and addiction.

If you’re asking about tobacco for a specific purpose (e.g. history, chemistry, addiction science), let me know—I can tailor the explanation.