Hookah has been mixed with molasses or honey for over 500 years, far exceeding the advent of flavors used by big tobacco in e-cigs to target our youth.
Hookah is a symbol of respect, hospitality, and social engagement in many communities. Hookah evolved from 17th century Persia to 18th century Turkey to 19th century Egypt, Israel, Armenia, and Pakistan, reaching the United States in the late 1800s when immigrants from these countries settled in American cities like LA.
Hookah is a non-intoxicating fixture of social interaction, including in some circumstances where social norms do not include drinking alcohol or using other substances.
A 2018 FDA study showed almost 90% of Americans who use hookah do so no more than once per month, indicating hookah is a uniquely social activity, not a compulsive behavior like smoking cigarettes or vaping.
A 2021 FDA study showed that youth hookah use is less than 1% nationally, and many prominent elected officials have admitted that hookah is “not the problem” in classrooms and for teens.
Hookah aerosol contains 25 times less nicotine per ml and has far fewer harmful constituents than cigarette smoke.
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