The Pros and Cons of Smoking Cinnamon Sticks as an Alternative to Cigarettes

The Pros and Cons of Smoking Cinnamon Sticks

Cinnamon is a popular spice used in countless recipes and beloved for its sweet, warm flavor. But some people have taken to smoking cinnamon sticks as an alternative to tobacco cigarettes. Proponents claim that smoking cinnamon provides a mellow, pleasant buzz without the health risks of nicotine. However, the practice remains controversial.

This article will examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of smoking cinnamon sticks. We'll look at the suggested effects, safety concerns, and whether it could help people quit smoking regular cigarettes.

Why Do People Smoke Cinnamon Sticks?

Many people report that smoking cinnamon provides a mild high or buzz. The sensation is sometimes described as calming, slightly euphoric, or energizing. This is thought to be caused by the essential oils and other compounds in cinnamon.

When cinnamon is burned, it releases a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which activates TRPA1 receptors in the brain. This reaction triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that regulate mood and provide a sense of well-being.

Thus, the cinnamon high is caused by a pharmacological response, not just the scent or flavor of the smoke. However, the TRPA1 and dopamine effects are much less potent than those caused by nicotine or THC.

People claim that smoking cinnamon sticks offers a legal, natural way to get a mild high. It may be perceived as healthier and less addictive than smoking tobacco. Some use it as a substitute when they can't smoke marijuana.

There's also a cultural mystique around smoking cinnamon sticks, portrayed as a relaxing sensory experience in books and media. This may drive curiosity and experimentation with the practice.

Potential Benefits of Smoking Cinnamon

Proponents of smoking cinnamon sticks point to several potential benefits:

• Provides a mild, calming high
• Satisfies the hand-to-mouth habit of smoking
• Has a pleasant smell and taste
• Nicotine-free and unlikely to cause addiction
• Legal and easily obtainable
• May help people quit smoking regular cigarettes
• Relatively inexpensive compared to tobacco

The mellow high caused by smoking cinnamon is much less intense than smoking tobacco or weed. But it may provide a legal recreational buzz for some people.

Plus, using cinnamon sticks can replicate the physical ritual of smoking without delivering addictive nicotine. This may help smokers transition away from tobacco cigarettes. Smoking cinnamon aromatherizes the air instead of producing harsh tobacco smoke.

If smoking cinnamon effectively substitutes for smoking tobacco, it could lower risks of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. More research is needed, but it shows promise as a smoking cessation aid.

Potential Health Risks and Safety Concerns

Despite the rosy picture painted by advocates, there are some potential health risks and safety issues to consider:

• Respiratory irritation and coughing
• Inflammation of lungs or airways
• Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
• Nonspecific neurological symptoms
• Mouth or throat irritation
• Harmful compounds released by burning
• Adverse interactions with medications
• Accidental burning or fire hazards

Smoking anything can irritate the respiratory tract and exacerbate conditions like asthma. Cinnamon contains the compound cinnamaldehyde, which is highly irritating when burned and inhaled. There are a few reports of lung inflammation and coughing triggered by smoking cinnamon sticks.

Allergic reactions are also possible, especially for those with sensitivities to cinnamon flavoring. Some people report neurological symptoms like dizziness, anxiety, or racing thoughts from smoking cinnamon.

When plant matter like cinnamon is burned, it produces byproducts and tar that can be harmful to inhale. This may pose less risk than tobacco smoke but is still unhealthy for the lungs over time.

Finally, playing with fire comes with inherent safety hazards. Smoking cinnamon sticks often involves using candles, incense, or other open flames. Accidents resulting in mouth or throat burns or property damage can occur.

Is Smoking Cinnamon Sticks Addictive?

There's no evidence that smoking cinnamon sticks is physically addictive. Cinnamon does not contain nicotine or other compounds known to cause substance dependence. Most people do not crave smoking cinnamon or require increasing amounts to get the same effect.

But nearly any activity that provides pleasure can become a psychological habit or emotional crutch over time. Some frequent cinnamon smokers may develop a degree of psychological dependence on the calming ritual or buzz.

Still, smoking cinnamon is highly unlikely to create the intense, drug-fueled addiction cycle caused by smoking tobacco products.

Smoking Cinnamon to Quit Cigarettes

Some smokers use cinnamon sticks to transition away from tobacco. The hand-to-mouth ritual and inhalation process is similar, while eliminating nicotine dependence. Smoking cinnamon allows an ex-smoker to retain parts of the habitual routine.

There is very limited scientific research on this topic so far. But initial findings are promising:

• A small 2015 study found that smoking cinnamon reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms in participants trying to quit smoking.
• A 2016 case study described a 44-year old man who successfully quit smoking a pack a day by transitioning to cinnamon sticks.

Anecdotally, many ex-smokers report that turning to cinnamon sticks helped them power through intense tobacco cravings when quitting. It provides nicotine-free relief during the early stages of withdrawal.

However, experts note that smoking anything comes with risks. People who switch to cinnamon sticks should view it as a temporary bridge when quitting smoking, not a permanent substitute.

How to Smoke Cinnamon Sticks

If you choose to experiment with smoking cinnamon sticks, here are some tips for the safest approach:

• Obtain organic cinnamon sticks free of pesticides and chemicals.
• Avoid using cinnamon powder, extract, or essential oil, which can quickly overwhelm.
• Use matches or a candle to light the end of the stick; do not inhale butane from a lighter.
• Take small, gentle puffs instead of deep inhales.
• Have water on hand to extinguish the ember and prevent accidental burning.
• Never smoke indoors around flammable objects, textiles, or sleeping people.
• Discontinue use if you experience coughing, inflammation, or allergic symptoms.

Smoking cinnamon sticks is generally not recommended for those with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.

Never smoke enough cinnamon to cause nausea, dizziness, racing heart, or other concerning physical reactions. Moderation is key.

The Bottom Line

Smoking cinnamon sticks provides a mild buzz without nicotine or major health risks. Some use it to replace tobacco when quitting smoking, or as an accessible recreational activity.

But lung irritation, allergies, and safety hazards are possible. More research on the health effects of smoking cinnamon is needed. It should not become a permanent substitute for tobacco.

Talk to your doctor before using cinnamon sticks to quit smoking. While not seriously addictive, turning to any substance as an emotional crutch can become problematic. Non-smoking cessation aids like nicotine gum or patches may be a safer option.

Overall, smoking cinnamon sticks remains a controversial practice. But it shows some promise as a temporary transitional tool for quitting cigarette smoking, one of the worst health habits known to man.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.