Great American Spit Out

We celebrate the Great American Spit Out annually on the Thursday of the third full week in February, and this year it falls on February 20. This special day aims to motivate individuals, particularly veterans, to quit using smokeless tobacco products. The key objective of the day is to equip users with the necessary resources to help them break free from these products. The tobacco plant, known for its nicotine-rich leaves, is the source of various forms of tobacco consumption, including smoking, chewing, and sniffing. The Great American Spit Out serves as an ideal opportunity to combat the addiction associated with tobacco and nicotine. Smokeless tobacco users are encouraged to take a step toward quitting, even if it’s just for this single day.

The History of the Great American Spit Out

Addiction has been a challenge for humans, and possibly other mammals, for centuries. It is a natural response seen in the animal kingdom. We can develop dependencies on a variety of organic and inorganic substances, but tobacco stands out as one of the most prevalent addictions that has plagued humanity throughout history. This addiction can manifest through chewing, sniffing, or smoking tobacco products. The trade routes and human migrations throughout history are closely tied to the story of tobacco. When Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492, local tribes presented him with tobacco leaves among other gifts. By the 15th century, the Portuguese had established the first commercial tobacco plantation in Brazil, and within a century, tobacco had gained immense popularity worldwide. In America, the use of tobacco surged during the Revolutionary War, but soon its addictive nature and health risks became apparent. Countries began to recognize the harmful effects of tobacco and the addictive properties of nicotine. Sir Francis Bacon even noted tobacco’s addictive qualities as early as 1610. Tobacco’s usage has often been intertwined with human conflict; during wars, it was common for people to use tobacco in various forms. The Great American Spit Out specifically aims to address the dependence on tobacco experienced by veterans and the negative health impacts associated with it. Therefore, this day is observed to motivate and challenge everyone to reduce or eliminate their tobacco use.

Timeline of the Great American Spit Out

12,300 Years Ago: Ancient Tobacco Use – Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica and South America utilized tobacco.
15th Century: Propagation by the Portuguese – Portuguese sailors began cultivating tobacco for personal use and as gifts.
Mid-15th Century: Tobacco Plantations – The Portuguese initiated tobacco plantations in Brazil.
1585: Tobacco Cultivation in North America – John Rolfe, known for his marriage to Pocahontas, starts cultivating tobacco in Virginia.
1847: Hand-rolled Turkish Cigarettes – Philip Morris begins selling hand-rolled Turkish cigarettes.

Where is Tobacco Mainly Grown?

Tobacco thrives in tropical climates and is widely cultivated in countries like China, India, and Brazil.

What are the Uses of Tobacco?

Interestingly, tobacco leaves serve as effective antiseptics that can aid in treating skin wounds and stopping bleeding.

The Effects of Tobacco

Using tobacco can lead to serious health complications or even death, with conditions such as cancer, respiratory issues, and heart disease being prominent consequences.

How to Observe the Great American Spit Out

Spread Awareness: Launch campaigns, both online and offline, emphasizing the importance of quitting tobacco use. Present statistical data illustrating the health benefits enjoyed by non-tobacco users.
Provide Resources: Identify individuals who wish to cut back on tobacco. Assist them in consulting with an expert and follow their progress.
Petition to Ban Tobacco Products: Create a petition aimed at banning nicotine and tobacco products, as these can lead to addiction and long-term health issues. Rally support to persuade the government to take action for the benefit of those struggling with addiction.

5 Important Facts About Tobacco

The Mass Murderer: Tobacco is responsible for the deaths of 80% of its users.
Cancer-Causing Agent: It contains 19 substances known to cause cancer.
The Tobacco Epidemic: Tobacco leads to more than eight million deaths annually from both direct and indirect exposure.
Smokeless Tobacco is Dangerous Too: The dangers of smokeless tobacco can surpass those of conventional tobacco.
The Most Dangerous Killer: Tobacco-related deaths outnumber those caused by malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV combined.

Why the Great American Spit Out is Important

A Day for Change: Many who are addicted to nicotine and tobacco often fail to see the health risks. This day is an opportunity to launch a large-scale campaign raising awareness against tobacco use.
Protecting Our Youth: Children are experimenting with tobacco and becoming addicted. While some laws prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18, they still manage to access them. This day aims to address and eliminate such issues.
The Impact on Non-Users: Second-hand tobacco exposure also affects the health of non-users. If you can quit, please do; if that’s not feasible, make an effort to reduce your usage or refrain from using it in public.