On Cigars

[felixfabulous]

Not sure this is really a doctrinal topic, apologies if this is the wrong category. As part of my faith deconstruction and reconstruction, I have taken a new approach to the WOW. I know most of the folks here are out of the Church, I don't believe the truth claims, but do enjoy the cultural participation, family heritage and my ward enough to stay.

I have learned to love coffee and my morning coffee is one of the highlights of each day. I have decided that because of family tendencies toward alcoholism and my spouse's fears, I am not going to drink alcohol for now (but don't see anything wrong with responsible alcohol consumption by others).

Since high school I have always thought cigars were really cool and wanted to try them. On a recent business trip I went to a cigar lounge and had my first one. It was kind of a weird environment, I was with a bunch of strangers and felt like everyone was watching me, I smoked it too fast and and got a little lightheaded. But, it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the taste. I debate if this is something that would be fun to do a few times a year, on vacation, on the golf course, etc.

I know that regular tobacco consumption is really bad for you, but it seems like a lot of people indulge in a cigar every once in a while with little or no harm. My biggest concern is in all health screenings they ask if you consume tobacco and there doesn't seem to be any leeway for occasional consumption. Also, it does not seem like cigars are addictive (unlike cigarettes), but I know tobacco and nicotine are, which is a bit of a risk. The one huge drawback was the smell, getting the smell out of clothes and the morning-after cigar breath. I don't think my wife would be a fan, even if it was occasional.

Curious if any others have been down this road and to hear thoughts.

[Just This Guy]

First off, cigars are addictive. Nicotine can be absorbed both through the lungs and also through the mouth in saliva. Depending on the size of the cigar, you can get as much nicotine as a whole pack of cigarettes. Cigars are considered just as addictive as cigarettes.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/cau ... fact-sheet

As to the idea that cigars are less dangerous, Mayo Clinic says: No.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-life ... q-20057787

Some sources say that some risks are lower with cigars, because you don't inhale nearly as much. Mostly you hold the smoke in your mouth and then exhale it. However there are still risks.

In the end, the risk/reward is up to you. Just make sure you are informed.

[felixfabulous]

I have seen those articles and think it's good to go in with eyes wide open. I think the research generally seems to be based on people who are regular cigar smokers, i.e. daily. Are there risks if it's occasionally, say once or twice a year (I would guess there isn't a lot of research on that) and if you do smoke once or twice a year, are you playing with fire and will you end up smoking regularly due to the addictive nature of nicotine? My perception (maybe false) is that there are a lot of people who occasionally smoke cigars and don't become fiends the same way cigarette smokers are. But, it may be prudent to just stay away altogether.

[Just This Guy]

Yeah, I'm not finding much about occasional smoking. Personally, a couple a year likely won't be a high risk. The problem is what does it take to develop an addiction. Some people are more susceptible than others and people can be more susceptible to certain addictions than others. Because of that, you really can't have a hard rule of X amount is addictive.

Watch yourself carefully. If you find yourself craving more cigars, then you may have a issue.

[2bizE]

Smoking cigarettes or cigars can be very addictive and the nicotine can cause many problems. I would recommend to you staying away from cigars and cigarettes, and instead smoke a little weed every now and again. It doesn’t have nicotine.

[glass shelf]

I'm going to say nope on this one. Head, neck, and lung cancers are awful. I wouldn't wish them on anyone.

[Brent]

Yup. Dangerous.

As are motorcycles. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycle-safety

And Bacon. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/m ... s-sausages

And obesity...contributes to 1 in 5 deaths. https://www.medscape.com/answers/123702 ... th-obesity

And driving cars.https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/ca ... 478103001/

Jogging. Especially for women...https://abc13.com/a-look-back-at-women- ... g/4022767/

OH and the Bathroom is a death chamber...https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/16/heal ... stats.html

And don't do ANY of this stuff: https://www.cpsc.gov/Research--Statisti ... Statistics

Yeah. Worry about a recreational cigar a couple of times a month. In fact use the worry to feel like you're safe, safe, safe!

[Palerider]

The one huge drawback was the smell, getting the smell out of clothes and the morning-after cigar breath. I don't think my wife would be a fan, even if it was occasional.

The risks as others have mentioned wouldn't be worth it for me. I just don't see anything "cool" about any form of smoke inhalation.

But the stench is the real deal killer for me. Absolutely hate the smell of cigars. Wouldn't want anyone smelling that crap on me.....

[iwanttotalk]

“Joseph Smith tried the faith of the Saints many times by his peculiarities. At one time, he had preached a powerful sermon on the Word of Wisdom, and immediately thereafter, he rode through the streets of Nauvoo smoking a cigar. Some of the brethren were tried as was Abraham of old.'"

Pernicious vice

[græy]

“Joseph Smith tried the faith of the Saints many times by his peculiarities. At one time, he had preached a powerful sermon on the Word of Wisdom, and immediately thereafter, he rode through the streets of Nauvoo smoking a cigar. Some of the brethren were tried as was Abraham of old.'"

Definition of hypocrisy... let's see how does that go again?