The real dangers of smoking... what are we actually talking about?

Look, we all know cigarettes and weed aren't exactly good for you.

Since nobody really smokes anything else, I guess there probably isn't any data on how much damage you'd do smoking something different, like mints?

Basically, I'm wondering how much of the total harm comes from the smoke itself. Like, is the smoke the actual problem here?

And could smoking mints actually be healthy? Maybe?

nimblebear92 said:Look, nobody is under the illusion that cigarettes or weed are good for you.

Since basically nobody smokes anything else, I'm guessing there isn't much data out there on how damaging it would be to smoke something different—like mint, for instance?

Basically, what percentage of the total damage from smoking comes from the smoke itself? Is the act of inhaling smoke inherently the killer?

And could smoking mint actually, theoretically, be healthy?

Then you've got those Herbalife products... if I recall correctly, they aren't exactly "healthy" either, likely because of the CO2 produced during combustion... plus, I've heard the flavor sucks, it's pretty bland.

nimblebear92 said:Look, we all know cigarettes and weed aren't exactly good for you.

Since basically nobody smokes anything else, I suspect there isn't any actual data out there regarding how harmful it would be to smoke something different—like mint, for instance?

Essentially, what percentage of the total harm from smoking comes from the smoke itself? Is the combustion process inherently the killer here?

And could smoking mint actually be considered "healthy" in any capacity?

The real danger in cigarette smoke lies in its chemical makeup. You've got nicotine hitting those brain receptors hard, and then there’s the tar, which contains over 4,000 different compounds—43 of which are known carcinogens. Don't forget carbon monoxide, which starves your tissues of oxygen.

As for mint, who knows? You'd really need to analyze the specific components to figure out what kind of toxic cocktail you're creating when they burn.
But why on earth would you smoke it?! Mint is perfectly healthy on its own... and I assume your goal is just to cut back on tobacco. In that case, your best bet is to drink it. Just have 3 to 5 cups of mint tea a day. It has a calming effect, so I honestly believe it might help you ease the transition.

Some of my buddies back when we were deployed—whenever we ran out of the green stuff to take the edge off—they’d just roll up some loose Indian tea instead, maybe green tea or something. They swear they were getting high off it, too. Honestly? I doubt it. Probably just a massive placebo effect from the smoke. I never actually tried it myself, though...
People are out there smoking crack and everything, obviously. You've got the bottom tier of users, then the upper echelon on coke.
It’s all bad news, man, seriously. I’m personally hitting about a box and a half a day, which is a step down from my old habit of three. I haven't run into any major issues yet—at least nothing I've heard of—but you can't just ignore the toll it takes, even if you think you're fine.

Look, if you’re going to lecture people on the dangers of weed, at least make sure you actually know what you’re talking about first,
cigars are objectively way worse for you than anything else here.
As for mint, I’ve heard you can smoke it—but there are so many different varieties out there that I probably need to check a specialized herbalist forum to be sure...