Cigarette History Timeline (Innovations up till 2023)

1. Pre-15th Century: Tobacco's Early Beginnings

   • The indigenous peoples of the Americas have been using tobacco for centuries, mainly for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
   • Christopher Columbus and his crew were introduced to tobacco when they encountered the indigenous people of the Caribbean in 1492.

2. 16th Century: Introduction to Europe

   • Tobacco was brought to Europe by explorers and traders, including Sir Walter Raleigh.
   • Smoking tobacco became popular among the upper class in Europe.

3. 17th Century: Rise of Tobacco Cultivation and Pipe Smoking

   • Tobacco cultivation expanded in Europe and the American colonies.
   • Smoking tobacco through pipes became the dominant method of consumption.
   • The Virginia colony in North America became a major center for tobacco production.

4. 18th Century: The Industrial Revolution and Cigarette Production

   • The Industrial Revolution brought technological advancements, including the invention of the cigarette-making machine in the late 18th century.
   • Cigarettes were initially hand-rolled, but the machine-made cigarettes revolutionized production and increased accessibility.

5. Late 19th Century: Tobacco Industry Growth and Marketing

   • The late 19th century saw the rise of major tobacco companies, such as American Tobacco Company and British American Tobacco.
   • Advertising and marketing efforts increased, targeting a broader consumer base.

6. 20th Century: Cigarettes become the Dominant Form of Tobacco Consumption

   • The popularity of cigarettes soared during the 20th century due to their convenience and the emergence of mass production.
   • Filtered cigarettes were introduced in the 1950s, marketed as a healthier alternative.
   • Smoking became socially acceptable and even promoted through advertising, despite growing health concerns.

7. Late 20th Century: Tobacco Control Measures and Health Awareness

   • Growing evidence of the health risks associated with smoking led to increased awareness and public health campaigns.
   • Governments implemented tobacco control measures, including advertising restrictions, warning labels, and public smoking bans.
   • Scientific research established the link between smoking and various diseases, such as lung cancer and heart disease.

8. 21st Century: Decline in Smoking Rates and Alternative Products

   • Smoking rates have declined in many countries due to increased awareness, public health campaigns, and stricter regulations.
   • 2000-2018
   • Alternative nicotine products, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and heat-not-burn devices, have gained popularity as perceived alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
   • 2018-2023
   • The first CBD cigarette in the world, the Hempette, gained wide traction after the 2018 farm bill legalized hemp in America. This lead to a new class of cigarette making and alternative for consumers who would traditional smoke tobacco cigarettes. The growth in the hemp industry lead to even more hemp based cigarettes such as CBD cigarettes, delta 8  THC cigarettes, and HHC cigarettes.
   • 2023+
   • In march of 2023, the first "True Tobacco Substitute" cigarette was created called Step. This novel classification of products seek to describe products that contain 0% tobacco and 0% nicotine; however, provide a similar smoke, feel, and taste as a traditional cigarette to the end consumer. Unlike previous herbal and hemp cigarettes that offer consumers choice in flavor or cannabinoid consumption, "True Tobacco Substitutes" offer consumer's choice purely on a non tobacco and non nicotine alternative that provides the same taste, smoke, and feel as a traditional cigarette. 

The history of cigarettes spans centuries, from their humble beginnings as a ceremonial and medicinal plant to their widespread consumption and subsequent health concerns. Understanding the timeline of cigarette history helps us comprehend the social, cultural, and health implications associated with this form of tobacco consumption. As society continues to evolve, so do attitudes towards smoking and the search for alternatives that prioritize health and well-being.