In today’s world, every second person is aware and does not hesitate to openly discuss the dangers of smoking and nicotine addiction. It’s interesting to find out when and how it all began.

What is tobacco?

Tobacco is a perennial or annual plant,  belonging to the same family as eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes.

There are several types of tobacco:

1. Broadleaf (Nicotiana macrofilla) or Maryland, with red flowers.

2. Virginia (Nicotiana tabacum), with pink flowers.

3. Aztec tobacco (Nicotiana rustica), with yellowish flowers.

4. Peruvian tobacco (Nicotiana glutinosa) or Sticky, with light greenish-yellow, bell-shaped flowers.

5. Curly leaved tobacco (Nicotiana crispa), with purple flowers.

The last two types are rarely cultivated due to their strong, unpleasant smell.

History of tobacco use

The history of smoking dates back to the first millennium BC, from the time of the Mayan civilization. Archaeologists have found fragments of ancient pottery portraying a smoking man and a bottle with tobacco traces. It is believed that shamans used the leaves of this narcotising plant in their rituals, and healers used it for pain relief. At the end of the 15th century, Christopher Columbus and his crew reached the coast of Cuba, where they saw Indians smoking a pipe for the first ever time.

Additional information: Everyone knows the phrase “light the pipe of peace”, which means “sign peace agreements.” What does the word Calumet mean? The term “Calumet” refers to the Indians’ “pipe of peace.” By the way, in the past, the tobacco mixture included not only tobacco and marijuana but also willow bark, dried mushrooms, harmala plant (wild rue), moss, and animal fat. The natives of the Americas used to give their European guests gifts, including dry tobacco leaves. This is how tobacco was introduced to Europe, and sailors became the first “tasters” of indigenous tobacco. With the development of trade, both tobacco leaves and seeds got imported to Europe, making it possible to cultivate it everywhere.

In the second half of the 16th century, tobacco use spread in many European countries. During this time, started the promotion of tobacco as a medicine. Doctors and healers claimed that it could help in the treatment of more than 40 diseases. As a result of this kind of advertising strategy, all segments of the society started becoming interested in this product.

Additional information: From the very start, the Catholic church and clergy were against tobacco use, viewing smoking as a sinful addiction. In 1640, Swedish doctor Elias Tillandz, and in 1761, English doctor John Hill, published their research, where they denied the medicinal properties of tobacco and warned about the risk of incurable diseases.

Tobacco production

Tobacco production involves several stages: growing and processing tobacco raw materials, producing and selling cigarettes, and promoting the product.

The first commercial plantations appeared in the 1600s.

In 1620, the world’s first tobacco processing factory was established in Seville. Later, Spain began tobacco production.

In 1848, the company Hija De Cabanas Y Carbajal started making premium cigars known as Cabanas.

By 1860, the American Blackwell Tobacco Company began industrial production of cigars under the Bull Durham brand.

In 1913, the American company RJ Reynolds launched Camel cigarettes, which were sold in boxes of 20.

In 1924, Philip Morris began producing Marlboro cigarettes for women, and only 30 years later, they introduced them for men.

In 1924, mass production of Armenian cigarettes began with the founding of the Yerevan Tobacco Factory.

In 1939, the American Tobacco Company released its new brand, Pall Mall.

In 1997, “Grand Tobacco” company started in Armenia, and is now the largest producer of Armenian cigarettes.

Over the centuries, the tobacco industry has significantly developed, improving and expanding its range with innovative products.