As a domain expert in the field of tobacco use and its effects on human health, I can provide a comprehensive explanation for why individuals who smoke cigars often do not inhale the smoke. This practice is quite different from cigarette smoking, where inhalation is a common and expected part of the smoking experience. There are several reasons for this difference, which I will outline below.

**Chemical Composition and Nicotine Delivery:**
The chemical composition of cigars and cigarettes differs significantly. Cigars are typically made from tobacco leaves that have been fermented and aged, which alters the chemical profile and results in a different balance of nicotine and other compounds compared to cigarettes. When a cigar smoker does not inhale the smoke, the nicotine can still be absorbed through the lining of the mouth and enter the bloodstream. This is due to the fact that nicotine is a potent alkaloid that can be absorbed through mucous membranes. In contrast, cigarettes are designed to deliver nicotine through inhalation, with the smoke passing through the lungs and directly into the bloodstream.

Health Risks and Perception:
Another reason why cigar smokers might not inhale is the perception of reduced health risks. While this perception is not accurate, as cigar smoking still poses substantial health risks, some individuals believe that by not inhaling the smoke, they are somehow mitigating the dangers associated with smoking. This belief may stem from a misunderstanding of how nicotine and other harmful substances are absorbed by the body.

**Cigar Construction and Smoking Experience:**
The construction of a cigar also plays a role in how it is smoked. Cigars are often larger and denser than cigarettes, with a more robust and complex flavor profile. The experience of smoking a cigar is often more about enjoying the aroma and taste, rather than consuming nicotine. When a person takes a puff of a cigar, they may hold the smoke in their mouth to savor the flavor before expelling it, rather than drawing it into the lungs.

Social and Cultural Factors:
There are also social and cultural aspects to consider. Cigar smoking has historically been associated with a certain level of prestige and is often seen as a leisurely activity. The act of smoking a cigar is as much about the ritual and the experience as it is about the nicotine. This can lead to a more relaxed approach to smoking, where the smoker does not feel the need to inhale the smoke to achieve satisfaction.

Regulation and Legal Considerations:
Lastly, it's worth noting that there have been efforts to regulate the tobacco industry and inform consumers about the health risks associated with smoking. While these regulations have been more focused on cigarettes, they have also influenced perceptions and behaviors around cigar smoking. Some cigar smokers may choose not to inhale as a way to distance themselves from the negative connotations associated with smoking in general.

In conclusion, the practice of not inhaling when smoking a cigar is influenced by a variety of factors, including the chemical composition of cigars, health perceptions, the unique construction and smoking experience of cigars, social and cultural norms, and legal considerations. It's important to emphasize that while not inhaling may reduce the immediate impact on the lungs, cigar smoking still carries significant health risks due to the absorption of nicotine and other harmful substances through the mouth and other routes.

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Such --primary-- cigar smokers tended to not inhale smoke -- they took it into their mouths and not into their lungs. Because of its chemical makeup, cigars can send nicotine to the brain even if the smoke isn't inhaled. In contrast, cigarettes mostly need to be inhaled to send nicotine to the brain.Jul 18, 2013read more >>