Cigars contain high levels of nicotine, so smoking them can definitely give you a buzz. However, whether or not you’ll feel buzzed depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn more about the cigar buzz and how you can control it.
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What Causes the Cigar Buzz?
The main chemical responsible for the buzzed feeling you get from cigars is nicotine. When you smoke a cigar, nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth. It then enters your bloodstream and makes its way to your brain.
In your brain, nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine and other “feel good” neurotransmitters. This gives you a relaxed and content sensation – also known as the nicotine buzz.
Here’s a quick comparison of nicotine levels between cigars and cigarettes:
- Cigarettes contain 1-2 mg of nicotine
- Premium cigars contain around 100-200 mg of nicotine
As you can see, a single premium cigar packs way more nicotine than a cigarette. This makes it easier to feel buzzed when smoking cigars.
What Impacts the Intensity of the Buzz?
If you smoke cigars, you’ve probably noticed that some give you more of a buzz than others. There are a few key factors that affect the intensity:
1. Your Nicotine Tolerance
If you rarely smoke cigars, you’ll have very low nicotine tolerance. This means you’re more likely to feel buzzed compared to someone who smokes multiple cigars per week.
As you smoke more frequently, you build tolerance and need more nicotine to get the same buzzing sensation.
2. The Type of Tobacco
Certain tobacco types like Ligero contain higher concentrations of nicotine. If your cigar has a higher percentage of Ligero, you’ll probably notice a stronger buzz.
3. Vitola (size)
Bigger cigars equal bigger buzzes. When you smoke a larger cigar, you get more tobacco and absorb more nicotine during the smoking experience. Robusto and Churchill cigars tend to deliver heavier buzzes compared to smaller cigarillos.
4. How Fast You Smoke
Don’t rush your cigar! Smoking too fast overwhelms your body with nicotine, leading to nausea and dizziness instead of an enjoyable buzz. Take your time and puff slowly to keep nicotine absorption at pleasant levels.
Tips for Controlling Your Cigar Buzz
Now that you know what impacts the cigar buzz, here are some tips to make yours more enjoyable:
- Moderate consumption: Don’t go from 0 to 100. Slowly work your way up in terms of cigar size and strength. This helps prevent unpleasant side effects.
- Smoke after eating: Absorbing nicotine on an empty stomach can lead to more nausea and dizziness.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after smoking to dilute nicotine concentration.
- Slow down: Resist the urge to constantly puff. Let the cigar rest between draws instead.
- Pay attention: Note exactly when you start feeling buzzed or nauseous during a smoke. This helps you identify your personal limits.
The key is learning how different cigars affect YOU. Armed with that knowledge, you can carefully choose the right stick and pace to achieve your perfect, sustainable cigar buzz.
Ready to Try That Cigar Buzz?
Now you know why some cigars are more buzz-inducing than others. You also know how to tweak your smoking method to control nicotine intoxication.
If you want to play it safe on your first go, start with a mild-medium cigar in a petite corona or corona size. Make sure to eat first, sip water, and take it slow! Pay close attention to your bod’s reaction so you can adjust on the next smoke.
Once you get comfortable with milder smokes, feel free to experiment with different shapes and strengths. Just bump up intensity gradually as you build tolerance. And remember – focus on flavor, not getting blitzed!
Let us know how your buzz-hunting goes! Chat with other enthusiasts in the comments about your favorite buzz-worthy sticks.
FAQS
Do cigars make you feel high?
No, cigars do not get you high like marijuana or other substances. While premium cigars contain high levels of nicotine, they will not cause psychoactive effects or an intoxicating high.
The nicotine buzz offers relaxing sensations but does not drastically alter your mental state. You may feel a bit more awake or content after smoking a cigar but will remain fully in control of your faculties.
Do cigars give you a buzz without inhaling?
Yes, you can absolutely get a nicotine buzz from cigars without inhaling the smoke. This is because cigars are meant to be tasted and absorbed through the lining of your mouth rather than directly inhaled like cigarettes.
When smoking a cigar properly, simply draw the smoke into your mouth, allowing it to coat your tongue and the inside of your cheeks. The mucous membranes in these areas will absorb nicotinWill cigars get me buzzed?e, which then enters your bloodstream to trigger a buzz.
Will cigars get me buzzed?
It depends on the cigar and on your personal tolerance levels. Many cigar smokers enjoy the relaxing nicotine buzz that comes with premium hand-rolled cigars. However, the intensity of the buzz varies between individuals.
Factors like the cigar’s size, tobacco type, and your smoking pace play big roles. The buzz also diminishes as you build a nicotine tolerance with consistent smoking. So when just starting out, even mild cigars can provide a pleasant buzz.
What’s the point of smoking a cigar?
For most aficionados, the appeal of premium cigars lies in their endless range of flavors and aromas. Many devotees smoke cigars solely for the taste rather than any buzz they may provide.
Smoking a fine cigar when you have the free time to truly savor it forces you to slow down and be mindful. It provides a ritual that promotes relaxation and reflection. The nuanced taste profiles and sensory experience give the activity meaning beyond just chasing a nicotine high.
In short – flavor and tradition rather than intoxication are what give cigar smoking purpose for most devotees. The buzz ends up being secondary.
