History of Tobacco Use

Have you ever wondered how human beings learned how to use tobacco? Believe it or not, tobacco has been part of human civilization longer than almost any other plant we use today. Let's look at some of the historical evidence of its use up until the modern era.

Ancient Origins

The earliest known usage of tobacco by humans' dates back to around 12,300 years ago. The discovery is made in an ancient campsite in Utah, where charred tobacco seeds where found. According to the study, these seeds seem to have been chewed like candy instead of being smoked.

The earliest evidence of tobacco smoking was found in Alabama, where they discovered nicotine in an ancient stone pipe that dates back to 3,300 years ago, at around the same time where the inhabitants of the area began domesticating and cultivating crops. Some studies also suggest that tobacco has been cultivated at around 8,000 years ago in South America.

Ceremonial and Religious Use

Evidence shows that around 2,000 years ago, tobacco is used in ceremonial and religious activities across the Americas. The Mayan people, known for their rich culture and religious affinity, have been using tobacco in their temple gatherings, rituals, and ceremonies. It is important to note that for the Mayans, tobacco carries great spiritual significance and is not something for everyday use. It is reserved only for temple and ceremonial use. This shows that the Mayans understand its effects.

These discoveries are evidence that tobacco has been part of human way of life longer than we know and predates almost all known civilizations.

The Worldwide Spread

When Christopher Columbus reached the Americas in 1492, they also encountered tobacco. Since then, tobacco begun to be known in the wider world. In 1531, its cultivation began in Europe and by the 1600s, tobacco use began to spread and at some point, was used as a currency to trade goods and services which spread throughout Europe and England. It was also around this time when cigarette was introduced.

Since then, tobacco use spread throughout the world like wildfire. In 1828, nicotine was identified as the key compound that causes the dopamine effect in tobacco. Despite being identified as a poisonous compound, tobacco use even became a symbolic part of social hierarchy. Nobles are seen using pipes or cigarettes to show their place in the society.

Health Concerns and Regulations

After the first and second world war, tobacco use in form of cigarettes becomes a lot more common and accessible to the masses. This is when medical implications of tobacco began to be an area of study. In 1964, US Surgeon General reported and linked prolonged tobacco use to lung cancer and even heart diseases. In 1988, they formally announced that nicotine is a powerful addictive substance subject to regulations. This when regulations on tobacco production and nicotine limits began to rise. In 1990, New Zealand enacted SERPA or the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990, which regulated the manufacture, use, and distribution of tobacco products.

The Modern Era

Today, tobacco is still part of human society but is strictly regulated. From something that is used for temple and religious ceremonies, tobacco became an everyday product for public consumption. Its cultural significance may have been lost, but we cannot deny the fact that tobacco has been there and seen the worst and best of human history. It was there when civilizations start to rise, it was there when wars broke and is still there as humans survived and rebuilt the world.

This article is a general summary for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Vaping products are restricted to adults 18+ under New Zealand's Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act.