Can Moisture Level Impact the Nic Hit

[JimVH]

I found a small, dried-out baggie of Dark Birdseye in the garage and decided to light it up on a walk with Boop. It was a slow, gentle smoke that, apart from being Sahara dry, tasted pretty good. But, the nicotine hit knocked my dinger in my watch pocket in no time. I’ve been regularly smoking nicotine rich blends (including properly hydrated DB) quite a lot lately without much notice, but this one just about sat me down on the curb.


Sincerely,

Nancy in Texas

[sweetandsour]

I found a small, dried-out baggie of Dark Birdseye in the garage and decided to light it up on a walk with Boop. It was a slow, gentle smoke that, apart from being Sahara dry, tasted pretty good. But, the nicotine hit knocked my dinger in my watch pocket in no time. I’ve been regularly smoking nicotine rich blends (including properly hydrated DB) quite a lot lately without much notice, but this one just about sat me down on the curb.


Sincerely,

Nancy in Texas

Dear Nancy in Texas,
I honestly think that moisture can indeed play a role in the nicotine hit.

Signed,
BTDT

[SlowToke]

Yes. Moisture causes nicotine to pyrolyze. So, lack of moisture inhibits pyrolisis. Therefore, higher nicotine delivered.

[Del]

Yes. Moisture causes nicotine to pyrolyze. So, lack of moisture inhibits pyrolisis. Therefore, higher nicotine delivered.

Agreed.

Experienced smokers know that if you step on puffing rate and get the pipe temp up, it delivers more nic.

Moist tobacco smokes cooler, as the water takes a lot of the heat as it vaporizes.

Dry tobacco burns hotter and faster, causing more nicotine to vap up and be inhaled. BOOM!

[JimVH]

Thanks, y’all. Maybe one day I can be an experienced pipe smoker.

[Del]

Thanks, y’all. Maybe one day I can be an experienced pipe smoker.

Just keep practicing. You'll get the hang of it.