Abstract

Cut tobacco used for processing cigarettes or other smoking articles is reacted with an agent such as an oxidant or subject to an extraction/removal process for a suitable period of time, dependent upon the nicotine content, the oxidant employed and the reaction temperature or extraction condition, or distillation, such that the nicotine embedded in the leaf is then converted into nicotinic acid or niacin. Sufficient conversion or extraction or distilled is allowed to occur so that either no nicotine or only a minimal amount of free nicotine remains in the smoking article. Upon intake into the lungs and hence the blood stream of the smoker or other tobacco user, the smoker or tobacco user will result in a blood plasma content of nicotine ranging from 0 to less than about 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood plasma. This effectively insures that the addictive process in smoking or other tobacco intake cannot he initiated or maintained. Nicotinic acid or niacin is not an addictive component of the tobacco. The niacin thus formed is located in the interstices or on the surface of the tobacco and when inhaled, actually serves as a beneficial nutrient, such as a vitamin. Flavorants can be added for taste and other non-addictive stimulants can be used to produce a heightened sense of awareness or well being.

Other References

• Leffingwell et al., Tobacco Flavoring For Smoking Products, pp. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 35, 197