Easily. I was a social smoker myself for years, since it's much easier to conversate in the smoking area, and on holiday could easily puff a pack a day without thinking about it.

To get addicted takes more than you'd think, consider how many pints you've had in your life without being a total alcoholic.

Brandwise, you might as well get something decent if you're not going to smoke often. Marlboro (I prefer the "gold" type myself), Embassy, Camel (if you're a hipster) and Silk Cut come to mind.

Or get an e-cig and puff on apple-flavoured steam. They're more for people trying to kick the habit though, though I do like puffing on it whilst indoors without the stink. You can easily take in a ridiculous amount of nicotine with them if you're not watching though.

>>6445
True, I often wonder why anyone who smokes is automatically designated a 'smoker' as part of their personality, but you wouldn't call someone a 'drinker' for having a couple of pints on a saturday night. Well I mean technically they would be but people wouldn't mention it you know?

Camel's were recommended to me recently actually, might have a try. Are the Gold Marlboro the ones that used to be called lights?

Marlboro gold are what used to be called lights. If you're on the cowboy killers, then going for Lights will feel like puffing on fresh air. Same goes if you choose silk cut or any of the light or mild cigarettes, even though they're not called that any more. I used to smoke Marlboro all the time, but now it's too expensive at nearly 9 quid for 20 which I'll smoke in a day when a 25g pouch will last me nearly a week.

Now Marlboro are a treat for me, it used to be a pack of Dunhill or if I was feeling flush Sobranie.

Have you tried an e-cigarette, OP? Since you can puff away on one of those as much as you like and do an infinitesimal amount of damage to yourself compared to conventional fags, I would highly recommend you at least try it before you start taking up a tobacco habit.

It is possible but a little tends to lead to a lot and it's really best not to get started at all.

I tried but here I am addicted. Yeah there is a social aspect but 9 times out of 10 I am just smoking on my own in the pouring rain. If you don't socialize now its not likely to help and if you need an idea of what addiction feels like picture being hungry.

As for brands I recently changed from Marlboro to Camel as I've found that stale packs are pretty common with Marlboro Red and would recommend the same if you don't mind them being a little hard to find (I can only get them at Tesco superstores).

>>6451
I do find Marlboro reds do tend to be stale when you go to little corner shops and the like. I buy the majority of my tobacco from the Waitrose around the corner from me and they stock up regularly.

I get through a pack of 20 in about a month, I'll have one after work sometimes, and I have them when I'm drunk. I've never craved them so far. If you don't smoke them habitually you're not likely to get addicted, I reckon.

>>6449
Yeah, this. I started as a social smoker but soon started associating the relaxation of smoking with the act and it found its way into my "daytime" life until I was in a position where I was trying to quit. It's just better not to.

>>6444

Quite liked Dunhills, but they can be a bit strong for some. Camels are nice as well.

>>6445

I know what you mean. When I have had a couple of drinks, it's very easy for the e-cig/vape to remain glued to my face for the rest of the night.

I only crave cigarettes when I'm drunk, they just go well with booze. I don't particularly enjoy them when I'm sober so I haven't really developed a habit that's difficult to stop (during the day at least).

Question for you smokers - I have a big carton of Malboros with loads of packs of the death sticks in them that I need to flog. What would be the best way of asking a smoker mate if they wanna buy some fags without sounding like a dealer?

It's kind of been said but cigarettes are addictive and every time you have a cigarette you increase your chances of being addicted. Having said that, it's possible to enjoy them recreationally, but as someone that fell into smoking this way, I would advise against it.

Having said that, the tipping point is really taking it out of the social context. It probably helps to make rules and stick to them; never smoke alone, never smoke at home, only 5 at most a week. Also, you'll start associating the feeling of going out with smoking, so your perception of it will change. I worked at a busy café and ended up taking occasional fag breaks with colleagues (social) and then ended up taking fag breaks, alone in the rain.

Also, if you're going to do this I would suggest not smoking malboro reds as they're strong. I'd say Silk Cut or Malboro Silver, because I doubt you need the 'hit' of a seasoned smoker.

>>6457

"Would you like to buy some cigarettes? I've got pure loads!"

>>6457
>What would be the best way of asking a smoker mate if they wanna buy some fags without sounding like a dealer?
Eh? If they're a mate, just ask them, surely?

If a non-smoking mate offered me some duty-free (I'm assuming that's how you got them) the idea that they were pushing them on me like some kind of shady dealer wouldn't even cross my mind.

>>6458
>I worked at a busy café and ended up taking occasional fag breaks with colleagues (social) and then ended up taking fag breaks, alone in the rain.
Yeah, this is kind of how it happens. I got into the habit of smoking at work and it was weirdly tough to break, despite not being a heavy smoker. I found it was harder giving up the break than giving up the smoking, if that makes sense.

>I'd say Silk Cut or Malboro Silver, because I doubt you need the 'hit' of a seasoned smoker.
Pretty sure I've read that Silk Cut smokers end up pulling harder and deeper on their cigs (I think there was some research linking this to greater risk of cancer, on account of the deeper inhalation, but might be pulling that from my arse).

>>6461
>it was harder giving up the break

I think this is the key. I don't hate crowds but if I'm in a crowded bar/club for a long time it is refreshing to go outside, chat to some people and have some space. The ciggies are incidental, an excuse really. It's the same when I'm working as well.

Thanks for the advice lads. I've still got most of a pack so I'll probably smoke/share them some time but I don't think I'll buy any more. I guess I'll just try and find different excuses for taking a break.

>>6458
>Also, if you're going to do this I would suggest not smoking malboro reds as they're strong.

Well couple things, firstly I started smoking Js about three years before I ever touched ciggies so relatively speaking any filtered cigarrette is going to feel weak. Secondly I can't help but think any lighter cigarrette will be much easier to smoke a lot of and become habitual, so even if the per-cig damage is less the overall is probably greater. Maybe I'm mistaken but light cigarettes seem analagous to people who don't like drinking but have VKs purely to get drunk.

>>6461
>>6462

I think I made an assumption that I started smoking because of malboro reds, which clearly is a blatant assumption and an attempt by me to blame cigarettes for my smoking. Point well taken lads, thank you.

>>6461
This is similar to my situation; my friend and I recently decided to quit smoking Drum gold with our spliffs and switched to some vanilla herbal blend. I've recently started a fucking intense new job and I started occasionally having a fag on my lunch in lieu of the joint I truly desired. Enjoying the actual process of smoking as a hobby means that I mostly don't give a fuck what I'm smoking, the habitual process is sublime in itself. This started as a few rollies a week when I was feeling stressed, and now I'm smoking four to five menthols in a day.

Now, I know that I am at least slightly addicted to smoking - probably more. I am well aware of how subtle and devious the grasp of nicotine can be, and how difficult it could be for somebody who habitually smokes for a few years or more to break away from it (ask me how in control I am in a few years). And yet, I am equally sure that if I really wanted to stop: I could. I know that so far, because I'm fairly content with smoking, I don't really want to stop at all. Because it is the perfect excuse to just fuck off by yourself for ten minutes and enjoy some solitude.

I'm not looking forward to the menthol ban because these are bloody lovely.

I don't care if they're for girls

>>6537
Oh, I'd missed that story. They (the EU) are also mandating that packs contain at least 20 cigarettes. Strewth.

>>6537
>menthol ban

u wot m8

Seems like I picked the right time to try and quit then, fuck going back to boring normal cigarettes.

I come.from a position of complete ignorance, but

>>6541
I think this was a drunken me.

>>6540

The menthol ban must be the reason for the new cigarettes with a little balloon of flavouring that you pop and it turns it from normal to menthol flavoured.

>>6657

They aren't new, they've been around for years. I think they will be banned too, but perhaps not.

>>6659

Yeah I'm expecting all types of flavoured cigarette to be banned, as the legislation describes. Including the ones with a menthol capsule inside the filter (why would they be exempt from a ban?) which have indeed been around for quite a few years.

>>6660

I don't know why it might be exempt, I suppose I just assumed that that was the purpose of their addition to fags these days.

There are some fascinating leaked documents on the menthol ban, I'll see if I can dig them out.

Menthol isn't merely a flavouring in cigarettes, it is a functional additive. The tingly feeling you get is caused by the blood vessels in the throat and lungs dilating in response to the menthol, which increases the rate at which nicotine is taken up into the bloodstream. It also has counterirritant properties, which is obviously valuable as a cigarette additive.

The ban isn't scheduled to take effect until 2022, so the tobacco companies are planning their approach. I've read internal documents in which the idea of fighting the ban in the courts is mooted, based on the argument that menthol is not a flavouring but a functional additive and so should be exempt from the ban. The main point of disagreement is whether it would be worth the PR risk, as anti-tobacco activists are likely to use such a defence as proof that additives are used to make cigarettes more addictive.

Incidentally, the most addictive element of a cigarette isn't particularly the nicotine, but the combination of nicotine and the MAOI compounds which naturally occur in tobacco, but are much more concentrated in the air cured virginia tobacco used in cigarettes. MAOIs greatly potentiate the effects of numerous drugs, including nicotine.

http://www.jneurosci.org/content/25/38/8593.full

>>6666
As a menthol smoker (and therefore probable transsexual) I found this very enlightening. Good post.

>>6666

Thanks for this, it was particularly insightful. I was of the notion that they just made the filter a bit minty with some eucalyptus or something.

Looks like it's time buy a load of mint and eucalyptus off the internet and create my own herbal smoking blend. be better for me anyway.

I haven't heard of or seen these ones with the capsule like mentioned, can anyone recommend a brand? Sounds like a novelty!

>>6688

The ones pictured here >>6537 taste fantastic. Even more like smoking a Polo than normal menthols. I didn't even make that post so they must be good.

>>6688
All Pall Mall cigarettes come with the capsules now, but it tastes shit if you use the capsule in reds or blues, like normal menthol in silvers, and super minty and fresh in greens.

I'd recommend Marlboro Ice Blast. Like smoking Airwaves chewing gum. Very nice.

Here's an interesting question - Benson and Hedges Gold vs Marlboro Reds? I find the former slightly easier to smoke but not sure if that's a good or bad thing.

Any of you lads suffer from the smokers cough?

I've been getting something like it all fucking year (persistent cough in the morning and night) but I've only been smoking for 2 and even then fairly lightly. Do you think it could be something more serious, the student nurse just fucked me off last time as soon as I told her I smoked.

>>6691
B&H Gold is more of an old mans fag from my observations

>>6692
Yep. I've quit and restarted smoking numerous times over the past two years and every time I start smoking again it takes me maybe 2-3 weeks before I start getting mild respiratory effects. Cough, scratchy throat, general feeling of shitness around that area etc. I also seem to get it whenever I quit, but it fucks off after a week or so at those times.

>>6689

>>6690

Thanks lads! I've been huffing Richmond menthol superkings, so a change will be nice. Have you tried the Vogue menthols? cost you a mint and make you look like a woman but they're a very nice smoke.

>>6692

I have a bit of one, but not persistent. When I get colds I really feel it though with a bad phlegmy cough that lasts for a while and extra lung butter.

Dunno how it affects the variables, but I also mostly smoke weed with my baccy and I have been cutting back on the fags recently so that's all hopefully over now.

Also I get paranoid about my teeth going to shit, and mouth/throat cancer. That's some bad shit.

Seriously though, go and make a menthol spliffy, it's one of the most refreshing things you could possibly burn and inhale.

>>6694
>menthol spliffy

Whilst that sounds amazing, how does it work given that I thought menthol capsules were usually in the filter?

>>6696
That sounds like a gateway to crystal meth and the associated bummings

>>6694 >>6695

>>6694
Strangely enough I started out on Vogues before switching to Richmond Superkings myself. I made the switch because despite their tasting lovely, all Vogues are a ripoff of monumental proportions. There is absolutely no excuse to spend £8+ on significantly less tobacco. They're truly a wonder of branding and fancy packaging. In my defence, I only started smoking them because they were what my friend smoked before I decided to just admit I was a smoker and stop bumming fags off people and figured I'd stick to what I knew.

While we're on the subject of menthols, never ever buy the Windsor ones (or indeed Windsor straights). They taste like tramp.

If you're into rolling your own, you should try adding crushed menthol to a normal rollie. It can give you headaches if you put too much in and I'm almost certain it's probably not good for you, but you're already inhaling the smoke of combusted tobacco to begin with so now is not the time to start pretending you care about your health. You haven't experienced "refreshing things you could possibly burn and inhale" until you've sucked in the fumes of crystal menthol. Heaven.

>>6697
I know, that similarity did occur to me as I was typing it. And it is quite addictive, I found. Might actually be something to do with what that lad mentioned above about menthol additives being even more addictive in conjunction with tobacco. It would certainly explain why I got so hooked on it. Crystal menthol, not even once.

Deleted and reposted to fix careless errors.

>>6694
I have been tempted by Vogues, but I fear I would look like a raging homo.

>>6699

So no change then.

>>6695

The Richmond menthols I buy are still just infused with the menthol - imagine my surprise when I first used one for a spliff thinking it would be like normal fag baccy and I got a minty throatshot of smoke instead! Just breaking the fag down and rolling it does the trick, gets a bit harsh without the filter but I'll smoke anything really.

>>6698

This is awesome, I had no idea you could get menthol crystals, wonder what other kinda uses this might have, maybe spice your DMT up a bit. worth looking into.

Slightly cracky though.

Interesting about the menthol being addictive as I can also easily see it. Fact is, when I smoke Golden Virginia or Drum in rollies with no weed, I feel sick as a dog after a week because it just isn't nice to smoke by itself. Menthols on the other hand are very easy to chug down and so far I haven't gotten sick of them.

Vogues are too expensive, but in my defence I mostly buy them when I need a fag packet for concealing spliffs and I like the shiny reflective packaging. the posh fags are a bonus.

Pic related.

Out of curiosity, what do you lads smoke?

I usually roll GV but on occasion buy Mayfair Kings. I'm usually pissed whenever I bum another brand. Is Mayfair actually that plebby/bad?

>>6703
Boring GV/red rizla here. Honestly speaking I've not shopped around the competition for 15 years or so but I liked GV best then and I can't be fucked changing now.

>>6699
I bought some today. The packet they're in is proper fancy. They're a pretty nice smoke, but they are a bit too showy for me. I feel like I'll be gay-bashed whenever I light one up.

>>6703
Mayfair aren't that bad. Not great by any means, but not terrible. Chesterfields and Sterling are probably the foulest I've smoked by a mile.

>>6703

My favorite rolling baccy was Drum light because it was tasty and I used to smoke dozens of huge spliffs all day, Rizlas are always silver.

Mayfair aren't bad, and Golden Virginia is pretty good, but it makes my tongue feel like an ashtray. Don't ever smoke a lucky strike. It will make your throat feel and taste all bloodied up, I swear to god they put iron filings in those things. Richmond Menthols are my current squeeze.

If you guys ever get the chance, go and blow some cash at the tobacconists in Harrods or any other posh place that has one, they have some lush fags like Djarum blacks and ones with cloves in. worth a look around. Pretty snazzy.

>>6708
As far as I recall, Djarum Blacks are clove flavoured (kreteks). I'd also second people trying them, they're a lovely cigarette and feel well worth the £8+ you'll fork out for a box. It's been ages since I had some, thanks for reminding me. I think we need some more discussion of luxe brand cigarettes (menthol or otherwise), any recommendations?

>>6709

I want to try them, they look well nice and super sophisticated just like me. I wonder what the clove taste is like

>>6709
I'm no smoker by any stretch of the imagination - but I wouldn't mind a puff.

>>6712

I once had clove oil for a toothache, got a bit on my tongue and was sicking up for half an hour.

I'm sorry if this has been discussed somewhere before, but can someone explain to me why switching from manufactured straights to rollies is making me feel so sick? I'm absolutely cack-handed at rolling admittedly but the difference in my smoking a straight and smoking a rollie is quite something.

>>6847

Use a filter tip and a rolling machine, you'll be golden.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/150842719060?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108

>>6848
Oh I am using a filter, but using a machine seems like a coward's way out. I know I'll get better at it the more I practice but the nausea from smoking them right now is really putting me off. It's hard to tell how much of the feeling squiffy is down to poor technique with keeping the paper tight to the filter and how much is down to the differences between loose tobacco and the drier stuff in straights.

>>6849
You get used to them. I can't stand straights now.

>>6849

You are over packing/rolling it too lose or a mixture of both.

Better technique will improve your situation, but as a man who scorned the rolling machine in the past I can't recommend a rolling tin enough now. I can roll 6 fags in about 2 mins and that'll do me all day and you keep them in the accompanying tin to keep them fresh.

>>6849
My suspicion would be that you're making them too big. Can you post a photo of one of your rollies?

>>6852

>>6853
And here trying to highlight the space around the filter. The bit I most have problems with is getting it to tuck in and roll.

Part of me actually hopes that the sick feeling will stick around and be enough to make me quit again, it's certainly making me regret still being a smoker.

>>6854
You're probably getting a bit of unfiltered stuff through the gap, getting it tight is hard but it just comes with practice.

Also maybe try poking the loose bits at the end down with a clipper or something.

>>6855
>getting it tight is hard but it just comes with practice.

More tea, vicar?

Thanks, I think I'm getting the hang of it although that one was an absolute fluke. The ones since then have gone back to being abysmal. It really is just the trickiest bit I'm having issues with, just fucking tuck under and roll you papery fuck.

It annoys me how tiny rollie filters are compared to straight ones.

>>6857

Are you sure you're not just getting extra slim?

>>6856

I have had the same problem - papers never ever ever tuck under on the right hand side for me, and I've been rolling for years. I just take it out of the equation and only tuck the bit on the roach/filter. Then the rest of the paper follows as you roll it. you might end up with a bit of a cone though.

The other thing is to make sure the tobacco is level and firm along the whole length, as the paper then sticks to this line, bumps will throw it off.

the best advice I can offer is to just keep practicing, and develop your own style. it'll come, and you'll develop some weird little tricks that work for you.