Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
1. What are raspberry leaf cigarettes?
Raspberry leaf cigarettes are made from 100% natural raspberry leaves and contain no tobacco or nicotine. They are designed to mimic the ritual of smoking while avoiding many of the harmful chemicals associated with traditional cigarettes.
2. Are raspberry leaf cigarettes safe?
No smoking product is completely risk-free, but raspberry leaf cigarettes remove tobacco, nicotine, and the many carcinogens found in regular cigarettes. Scientific literature supports herbal alternatives as a safer harm reduction tool for current adult smokers unable or unwilling to quit abruptly (Caponnetto et al., 2018).
3. Do raspberry leaf cigarettes help people quit smoking?
Research suggests that herbal smoking alternatives can help some people manage withdrawal, reduce cravings, and break the psychological habit of smoking (Verster et al., 2022), especially when combined with other cessation support.
4. Are these suitable for non-smokers or young people?
No. Our herbal cigarettes are only intended for adult smokers as a harm reduction alternative, not for non-smokers, children, or as a health product. This aligns with global health recommendations (WHO, 2017).
5. Do raspberry leaf cigarettes contain nicotine or tobacco?
No. They contain zero nicotine and zero tobacco. The only ingredient is organic raspberry leaf.
6. Could smoking raspberry leaf still be harmful to my health?
Any form of smoking involves inhaling burnt plant material, which can irritate the respiratory system. However, removing tobacco and nicotine eliminates the addictive and most notorious harmful elements (Benowitz & Henningfield, 2013).
7. How do raspberry leaf cigarettes differ from vaping or e-cigarettes?
Raspberry leaf cigarettes are free from all nicotine, additives, and battery-operated devices. Some e-cigarettes still deliver nicotine and may expose users to other chemicals; herbal cigarettes offer a simpler, non-addictive option.
8. Is there scientific research supporting herbal cigarettes as a harm reduction tool?
Yes, studies have shown herbal cigarettes can help reduce dependence on tobacco and are associated with lower toxicant emissions (Caponnetto et al., 2018; Lee et al., 2017).
9. Are raspberry leaf cigarettes legal?
Herbal (nicotine- and tobacco-free) cigarettes are legal in most jurisdictions. However, we comply with all local regulations and promote responsible adult use only.
10. Can these cigarettes cause addiction?
Raspberry leaf cigarettes are non-addictive as they contain no nicotine or psychoactive substances (Benowitz et al., 2013). They address the behavioural aspect of smoking, not nicotine dependence.
11. How do they benefit the environment compared to tobacco?
Tobacco farming is resource-intensive and environmentally damaging. Raspberry leaf cultivation requires less pesticide and supports crop diversity, helping rural sustainability (Lecours et al., 2012).
12. How are you ensuring product quality and safety?
We adhere to strict sourcing, processing, and manufacturing standards, use only organic leaves, and test rigorously for contaminants to protect users and the public.
13. What is your stance on underage or non-smoker use?
We strongly oppose non-smoker and underage use. Our products are marketed and intended exclusively for harm reduction among current adult smokers.
14. Will these help with secondhand smoke issues?
Herbal cigarettes have fewer toxic emissions than tobacco cigarettes, potentially reducing secondhand smoke harm; however, smoke of any kind may still affect air quality (Kim et al., 2013).
15. How are you funded?
We seek ethical grants, philanthropy, and partnerships with health-focused organisations. We do not accept funding from the tobacco or vaping industry.
16. What is your relationship with government or NGOs?
We are committed to working transparently with regulators, health authorities, and non-profits to ensure ethical, evidence-based distribution and advocacy.
17. Are there plans to conduct more scientific studies?
Yes, securing funding will support independent research, user trials, and continuous product assessment to advance the evidence base and safety profile.
18. How are you addressing scepticism or criticism?
We are committed to open science, third-party evaluation, and honest public dialogue. Our mission is harm reduction for those unable to quit smoking, not to promote any form of smoking.
19. Can I support or donate to your mission?
Yes! Please see our Support page if you’d like to fund research, advocacy, or product development. Every contribution helps us reach our harm reduction, health, and sustainability goals.
20. Where can I get updates or join the community?
Sign up for our newsletter, follow our social media, or reach out via our Contact page. We welcome questions, collaborations, and ideas from all stakeholders.
21. Can raspberry leaf cigarettes be used alongside other quitting aids?
Yes, raspberry leaf cigarettes can be used together with other quitting aids such as nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gum) or behavioural counselling. Some scientific studies suggest that combining behavioural substitutes (such as herbal cigarettes) with evidence-based cessation supports may improve quit rates by managing both nicotine withdrawal and the habitual, hand-to-mouth aspect of smoking (West et al., 2016; Caponnetto et al., 2018). Always consult a healthcare professional for a personally tailored plan.
22. What are the health risks of using raspberry leaf cigarettes compared to tobacco?
While no form of smoking is entirely risk-free, raspberry leaf cigarettes eliminate tobacco, nicotine, and the majority of cancer-causing chemicals found in regular cigarettes. The main risks come from inhaling any burning plant material, which can irritate the lungs and respiratory system. Scientific reviews agree that switching to herbal cigarettes is likely much less harmful than continuing tobacco smoking, although quitting all forms of smoking is best for long-term health (Benowitz & Henningfield, 2013; Lee et al., 2017).
23. What scientific evidence supports the safety of herbal cigarettes compared to tobacco?
Multiple studies confirm that herbal cigarettes, including those made with raspberry leaf, produce substantially fewer toxic and carcinogenic compounds than tobacco cigarettes (Kim et al., 2013; Caponnetto et al., 2018). Laboratory tests show lower emissions of tar, carbon monoxide, and nitrosamines with herbal blends. However, researchers still advise that inhaling any smoke may have some health risks, but the overall risk profile is much lower compared to tobacco (Lee et al., 2017; Verster et al., 2022).
24. How do I use raspberry leaf cigarettes as part of my quit journey?
Replace some or all of your tobacco cigarettes with herbal ones to manage habits and triggers. Gradually reduce both over time and combine with professional quitting advice for the best chance of success.
25. Can raspberry leaf cigarettes trigger allergies?
Raspberry leaves are generally well-tolerated, but anyone with known allergies to raspberry or related plants should avoid them. If you notice irritation or an allergic reaction, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
26. Are raspberry leaf cigarettes regulated for quality?
We follow strict quality control standards, including third-party laboratory testing, organic sourcing, and transparency in production. We are committed to exceeding all applicable regulations in every market.
27. Will I experience withdrawal if I switch to raspberry leaf cigarettes?
Because these contain no nicotine, any withdrawal symptoms you experience would be from your body adjusting to reduced nicotine intake—not from the herbal cigarettes themselves. The goal is to help manage the behavioural aspect of quitting while breaking nicotine dependence.
28. How do raspberry leaf cigarettes help the environment?
Raspberry leaf cultivation is less resource-intensive than tobacco, uses fewer chemicals, and encourages sustainable farming practices that support biodiversity and healthier rural economies (Lecours et al., 2012).
29. Why do you focus on former or current smokers and not new users?
Our mission is harm reduction—helping those already addicted to tobacco find safer alternatives and ultimately quit. We never encourage non-smokers, especially youth, to start any form of smoking.
30. What are the main health risks commonly associated with vaping?
Vaping exposes users to aerosolized chemicals, including nicotine in many products, flavorings, solvents, and potential contaminants. Nicotine can affect brain development in youth and lead to dependence in adults.
References:1. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). *Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes*. The National Academies Press. - Comprehensive review of chemical exposure and health effects2. Gotts, J. E., Jordt, S. E., McConnell, R., & Tarran, R. (2019). What are the respiratory effects of e-cigarettes? *BMJ*- Documents respiratory effects of aerosolized chemicals3. England, L. J., Bunnell, R. E., Pechacek, T. F., Tong, V. T., & McAfee, T. A. (2015). Nicotine and the developing human: A neglected element in the electronic cigarette debate. *American Journal of Preventive Medicine*- Effects of nicotine on adolescent brain development4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). *Smoking Cessation: A Report of the Surgeon General*. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Documents nicotine dependence mechanisms31. What safety and quality concerns exist with vaping devices and liquids?
Device malfunctions such as battery fires or overheating can occur, sometimes with serious injury. There is variability in manufacturing quality and labeling, raising the risk of mislabeled nicotine content or contaminated liquids. Some additives and flavorings may pose additional health risks, and the lack of consistent regulation makes safety unpredictable.
References:1. Rossheim, M. E., Livingston, M. D., Soule, E. K., Zeraye, H. A., & Thombs, D. L. (2019). Electronic cigarette explosion and burn injuries, US Emergency Departments 2015-2017. *Tobacco Control* - Documents battery fire incidents and injuries2. Omaiye, E. E., McWhirter, K. J., Luo, W., Pankow, J. F., & Talbot, P. (2019). High-nicotine electronic cigarette products: Toxicity of JUUL fluids and aerosols correlates strongly with nicotine and some flavor chemical concentrations. *Chemical Research in Toxicology* - Analysis of labeling accuracy and contaminants3. Cullen, K. A., Gentzke, A. S., Sawdey, M. D., Chang, J. T., Anic, G. M., Wang, T. W., ... & King, B. A. (2019). E-cigarette use among youth in the United States, 2019. *JAMA*- Regulatory gaps and product variation4. Muthumalage, T., Friedman, M. R., McGraw, M. D., Ginsberg, G., Friedman, A. E., & Rahman, I. (2020). Chemical constituents involved in e-cigarette, or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). *Toxics*- Health risks of specific additives and flavorings32. How does vaping impact youth, addiction, and public health?
Nicotine exposure among adolescents can disrupt brain development and increase the likelihood of future addiction. Flavors and marketing tactics can attract youth, potentially serving as a gateway to traditional tobacco use. There are ongoing concerns about dual-use (vaping and smoking nicotine) and whether vaping deters or delays efforts to quit smoking nicotine, with long-term public health outcomes.
References:1. Soneji, S., Barrington-Trimis, J. L., Wills, T. A., Leventhal, A. M., Unger, J. B., Gibson, L. A., ... & Sargent, J. D. (2017). Association between initial use of e-cigarettes and subsequent cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *JAMA Pediatrics*- Gateway effect evidence2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). *E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General*. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services- Comprehensive review of youth vaping and brain development3. Hajek, P., Phillips-Waller, A., Przulj, D., Pesola, F., Myers Smith, K., Bisal, N., ... & McRobbie, H. J. (2019). A randomized trial of e-cigarettes versus nicotine-replacement therapy. *New England Journal of Medicine*- Smoking cessation outcomes and dual-use patterns4. Wills, T. A., Knight, R., Williams, R. J., Pagano, I., & Sargent, J. D. (2016). Risk factors for exclusive e-cigarette use and dual e-cigarette use and tobacco use in adolescents. *Pediatrics* - Examines dual-use patterns in youth