Do You Get Buzzed from Cigars?
I'm Gerard from Mardo Cigars, and this week's Beginner's Cigar Guide tackles a question I get all the time: do cigars give you a buzz? It's a great question, and the honest answer is sometimes. Below I'll explain what that cigar buzz actually is, why it happens, and the simple habits I use to keep it from ruining a good smoke.
Do Cigars Give You a Buzz?
Yes, cigars can give you a buzz, but not every time. For me it happens only about 10% of the time. That light-headed, slightly queasy feeling comes from the nicotine that is naturally in tobacco. Personally, the full-on nicotine buzz is the one thing I do not enjoy about smoking, so people ask, "Then why do you smoke cigars, Gerard?" Simple: most of the time there is no heavy buzz at all, and a few easy habits keep it that way.
Quick answerCigars can give you a buzz because tobacco contains nicotine. You feel it most when you smoke fast, smoke on an empty stomach, or inhale. Slow down, eat first, and never inhale, and most of the time you will not get buzzed at all.
Why Does a Cigar Buzz Happen?
The buzz comes down to nicotine, which every tobacco cigar contains. A few things make it hit harder. Smoking too fast pulls more nicotine through at once. Smoking on an empty stomach makes it more noticeable. And inhaling, which you should never do with a cigar, sends far more nicotine in than your body wants, and that is a fast track to feeling sick.
There is one more factor: ammonia. It is a natural byproduct of tobacco, and it is exactly why we age cigars, to let that ammonia mellow out over time. A young, harsh cigar full of ammonia is more likely to leave you feeling green than a well-rested one. If you want the details, see our guide on how to age your cigars.
How to Avoid a Cigar Buzz
If you are wondering do cigars give you a buzz every time, the answer is no, and these are the exact habits I use to enjoy a cigar without the buzz taking over:
- Never inhale. Puff the smoke into your mouth and let it out. Cigars are meant to be tasted, not inhaled.
- Smoke slowly. Take your time between puffs. A relaxed pace keeps the nicotine gentle.
- Eat something first. Never smoke on an empty stomach. A little food on board makes a big difference.
- Go easy in the morning. If I have already had coffee, stacking a cigar on top does not sit well with me, so I usually skip the early smoke.
- Keep water handy. Sipping water between puffs helps you pace yourself.
- Start milder. Newer smokers get buzzed faster on strong cigars, so begin with a milder blend. Our best mild cigars for beginners are a perfect place to start.
What to Do If You Get Buzzed
If the buzz sneaks up on you, do not panic. Set the cigar down, sit somewhere comfortable, and sip some water. The trick I lean on most is something sugary. A drink with plenty of sugar in it helps me settle that queasy, buzzed feeling and get back to enjoying myself. Give it a few minutes and it usually passes.
"Sometimes I wake up feeling like Popeye and I just want to smoke two cigars in a row. But most days my body tells me exactly how a cigar is going to treat me, and I listen to it."
Does Everyone Get a Buzz From Cigars?
No, and this is where it gets personal. How much a cigar affects you depends on your own tolerance, how much you have eaten, and how strong the cigar is. A seasoned smoker might feel nothing from a stick that leaves a beginner light-headed. So when a friend asks me "do cigars give you a buzz," my real answer is: it depends on you and the cigar. The best approach is to learn your own limits slowly. Start mild, pay attention to how you feel, and step up to fuller cigars only when you are ready. Over time you will know exactly which cigars agree with you and which ones to save for after a big meal.
Watch: Do You Get Buzzed From Cigars?
Hear the full breakdown straight from the episode on Mondays with Mardo:
Final Thoughts
So, do cigars give you a buzz? They can, thanks to the nicotine in tobacco, but it is easy to keep in check. Never inhale, smoke slowly, eat first, start with milder cigars, and keep water and something sweet nearby. Do that and the buzz rarely shows up. Some smokers actually chase that nicotine buzz; I am not one of them, and I would rather savor the flavor. Cigars are a premium tobacco product for adults 21 and over, meant to be enjoyed for taste and ritual, so listen to your body and smoke at your own pace. This is my personal experience, not medical advice.
Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
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