Did you know that there were 8.7% of smokers in British Columbia in 2022?

Smoking is a personal choice that many people make for different reasons, such as relaxation, socializing or simply out of curiosity. 

However, people use lots of tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars and more.

In British Columbia and many places around the world, the debate between cigars and cigarettes is a common topic for first-time smokers.

So, if you are new to the world of smoking, you might have questions– “What’s the difference between cigars and cigarettes?”  And “Which one should you try first?”

Cigars and cigarettes are different not just in terms of how they look but also offer a different smoking experience with unique characteristics, flavours and many more. 

This guide will dive into the key differences between cigars and cigarettes and help you decide which is best for you.

What’s Inside Cigars and Cigarettes?

Cigars:

A cigar is a roll of fermented tobacco covered in a tobacco leaf that contains tobacco or tobacco extract. Cigars have three components, namely wrapper, binder, and filler. 

• Wrapper: The outermost layer of the cigar. It is made from reconstituted tobacco leaf. It enhances the experience by providing a smooth burn and aesthetic appeal. 
• Binder: It acts as the structural backbone of the cigar. It holds the filler tobacco together to make sure the cigar retains its shape and burns evenly.
• Filler:  The filler is a blend of carefully selected tobacco leaves that form the cigar’s core. It is responsible for the cigar’s flavour profile, strength and smoking duration. 

Cigarettes:

Cigarettes contain finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper with filters that reduce the strength of the smoke. It is generally composed of:

• Tobacco: The primary part of the cigarette is finely shredded tobacco. This gives a quicker burn and a more concentrated nicotine delivery.
• Filter: Most cigarettes come with a filler at one end. It plays a vital role in making the smoking experience smooth.
• Paper: The cigarettes are wrapped in paper that holds the tobacco together and burns consistently. 

How Big Are Cigars and Cigarettes?

Cigars

Cigars come in different sizes, but they are generally larger than the cigarettes. The cigar size can be described in two ways:

Length

The length of cigars is measured from the foot to the cap. Typically, the average cigars range from 4” to 8” in length. 

Ring Gauges

It is an indicator of how thick a cigar is. It is measured in 64th of an inch. The average ring size is 28-54/64ths in diameter.

Size

Cigar sizing refers to two things– length and ring size. So, there are various popular sizes of cigars with their corresponding names that you will find on the market.

Cigar Size Chart

Cigarettes 

Most cigarettes can be characterized in terms of lengths, such as:

• 68 to 70 mm regular unfiltered cigarette
• 79 to 88 mm king-size filtered cigarette
• 94 to 101 mm filtered long
• Extra-long cigarettes ranging from 110 to 121 mm

Smoking Time – Cigars & Cigarettes

Cigars

According to a Reddit query, many users shared their time to smoke a cigar of various sizes and shapes.

Factors That Affect Smoking Time

Smoking time may vary due to the following factors:

• Length of cigar
• How well a cigar is made (short or long filler) and how tightly it is rolled.
• Frequency of puffs

How to PROPERLY Smoke a Cigar

Step 1: Cut the Cigar

Use a cutter to slice off the cap of the cigar. ( Cut usually about ⅛ th of an inch off the end).

Step 2: Toast the Foot

Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle. Lightly heat the cigar while rotating to keep the tobacco warm.

Step 3: Light the Cigar

Hold the cigar and gently puff while heating ( without inhaling) until you feel the smoke in your mouth.

Step 4: Check for Even Lighting

Make sure the foot of the cigar is evenly lit. If it is not lit, gently blow on it and re-light until it starts glowing.

Step 5: Enjoy the Smoke

Draw the smoke in your mouth and nose, exhale every 30-60 seconds.

Step 6: Dispose of the Ash

Tap the cigar off gently into an ashtray if you see the ash form. Avoid smashing it; let the ash fall naturally. 

Cigarettes

On average, smoking a single cigarette takes 5 to 7 minutes. But, this can vary due to the following factors:

Length of the Cigarette

Shorter cigarettes, such as “slim’ types, will burn faster, while longer ones will take a little longer.

Speed of Puff

Smokers who take a longer and slower puff will make the cigarette last longer. On the other hand, quicker smokers will finish it faster.

Tobacco Blend

 The type of tobacco mix can affect how fast the cigarette burns.

Smoking Technique

Not taking breaks while smoking a cigarette may reduce smoking time.

Nicotine Present in Cigars & Cigarettes

Do cigarettes and cigars have nicotine? If yes, how much? According to a study published on PubMed Central, the nicotine content in small cigars ( Little Cigars  [LC] and Filtered Cigars [FC] is higher than that in cigarettes.

Nicotine Per Unit:

Source: Nicotine Yiled in Small Cigars

How Are Cigars and Cigarettes Wrapped?

Normally, in Canada, the packaging of cigars and cigarettes is regulated by federal laws such as the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) and the Plain and Standardized Packaging Regulations. Let’s know how they are wrapped:

Cigarettes

• Plain and drab brown packaging without any logos or branding. 
• Brand names in standard font, size, and colour.
• There are no descriptive terms like “light,” “mild”, or “low-tar.”

Cigars

• The small cigars that are sold individually come with plain packaging.
• Premium cigars that are sold in tubes or boxes may be exempted.

How Much Does a Pack of Cigars and Cigarettes Cost?

The price of a pack of 20 cigarettes in British Columbia is around 15.51 CAD as of April 2023. On the other hand, a single cigar costs a few dollars. The price may vary depending on the brand and quality.

What do Cigars and Cigarettes Represent in Society?

Cigars- Luxury, Celebration and Success

Cigars are symbolized for luxury. People might smoke them at special celebrations to feel fancy. It is a symbol of relaxation or bonding, like when friends share one during an occasion.

Cigarettes- Personal Habits

Cigarettes in the past were considered stylish, but now they are more about personal habits. For some, smoking cigarettes can be a way to express independence, especially among young people.

What Do Redditers Have to Say About Cigars vs. Cigarettes?

According to a Reddit query, people shared their opinions about cigars and cigarettes. 

Cigars

• It is seen as a luxury item and a symbol of satisfaction.
• A way to relax, celebrate, and enjoy.
• Have a wide variety of flavour profiles, strengths, and aromas to explore.
• Gives a rich and more refined smoking experience. 
• Typically smoked occasionally rather than daily.
• Gives a sense of calm and relief from stress without addiction.

Cigarettes

• Fast way to relieve stress and boost energy.
• The nicotine effect boosts productivity.
• Quick and easy to smoke without any preparations. 
• Easy to buy and carry as compared to cigars. 

The Bottom Line

Hopefully, this guide has helped you to understand the difference between cigars and cigarettes. Cigars are considered a luxury experience, and cigarettes are a personal way of stress relief. However, cigars and cigarettes are one of the types of tobacco products, but they have lots of differences. So, consider the product which rightly suits your needs. If you are looking for premium-quality cigarettes in Canada, you can buy them from a reliable online store such as Top Smokes Canada, which provides the best quality cigarettes online at affordable prices.