[Not_Who_U_Think]

I had an "annimated discussion" the other day with a friend who is a former smoker. She was spouting the line "the tobacco companies put dangerous chemicals into cigarettes." Yes they do, I said, they put in chocolate, sugar and other flavorings. (in the case of Marlboro, cummin gives it the distinctive flavor) Ok, what about soduim hydroxide? she said. Yes they do, in order to obtain a standard release of nicotine. The truth is, tobacco companies have been able to remove ALL the nicotine from tobacco for over 30 years, but consummers wouldn't buy them. They simply make a product that the consumers want. Why does Chevy make a Corvette? It's a dangerous car in the hands of an inexperienced driver, whose power exceeds any practical application.

They make it because there is a demand for it in the marketplace. I'm not saying tobacco is good for you, but there simply is not evil intent. They're in the business to sell their product. And while I'm out on this limb, I'll go so far as to say nicotine is not addictive in the classical sense - I know several 'recreational' smokers who can smoke one evening and not smoke again for several weeks, or smoke one every once in a while.

[Just another Joe]

And while I'm out on this limb, I'll go so far as to say nicotine is not addictive in the classical sense

Better be careful that the antis don't saw that limb off with the handsaw of propoganda.

[SheLion]

I know several 'recreational' smokers who can smoke one evening and not smoke again for several weeks, or smoke one every once in a while.

Thank you! And smoking a cigarette for recreational purposes sure beats prescription drugs and booze!

[Great Dane]

I know several 'recreational' smokers who can smoke one evening and not smoke again for several weeks, or smoke one every once in a while.

I too have several friends like that, but the ANTI's will tell you thats not possible.

[Max McGarrity]

Shame on you for bringing logic into a discussion about those eeeeeviiiill tobacco companies! /sarcasm