The Real Dangers of Cigarettes & Combustible Tobacco
We sell cigarettes, cigars, and natural-leaf tobacco to adults 21 and older — and we will be straight with you: combustible tobacco is the single most dangerous category of product in our store. The U.S. Surgeon General has been clear that there is no safe level of smoking. Here are the honest facts so you can make an informed choice, and free resources if you ever decide to quit.
WARNING: Cigarettes and combustible tobacco products are dangerous and addictive. Smoking causes cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and harms others through secondhand smoke. These products are sold only to adults 21 or older with valid ID.
The Leading Preventable Cause of Death
Cigarette smoke contains roughly 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and about 70 of which are known to cause cancer. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
Cancer Risk
Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body — including the lungs, mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, and more. The risk comes from inhaling the products of combustion, not from nicotine alone.
Lung & Heart Disease
Smoking damages your airways and the small air sacs in your lungs, leading to chronic conditions such as COPD and emphysema. It also damages blood vessels and raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Secondhand & Thirdhand Smoke
Your smoke affects the people around you. Secondhand smoke is dangerous to family, friends, and especially children and pets. Residue that settles on surfaces and clothing ("thirdhand smoke") can linger long after the cigarette is out. If you smoke, never smoke indoors or around others.
Cigars, Grabba & Rolling Tobacco Are Not "Safer"
Natural-leaf cigars, Grabba leaf, and hand-rolled tobacco are still combustible tobacco. They carry the same fundamental combustion risks as cigarettes and also contain addictive nicotine. "Natural" does not mean safe.
Free Help to Quit
Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health, and free help is available. Most people who quit succeed only after several attempts — that is normal. Reach out to the resources below or talk to your doctor about a plan.
How to Use Responsibly
There is no safe level of smoking, and the only way to eliminate the risk is not to smoke. If you choose to use combustible tobacco as an adult 21+, never smoke indoors, in vehicles, or around children, non-smokers, or pets; store products sealed and out of reach; and properly extinguish and dispose of all materials to prevent fire.
Free Help & Resources
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW: Free, confidential coaching from your state tobacco quitline.
- SmokeFree.gov: Free quit tools, apps, and text-message programs from the National Cancer Institute.
Shop Cigarettes & Combustible Tobacco
All products are sold to adults 21+ only, with valid photo ID. The information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.