Hookah and US SocietyHookah smoking is a popular growing trend among young Americans. It is a market that is offered in Hookah Lounges and Cafes throughout the
United States.
Popularity of Hookah smoking has captured the interest of health organizations and legislators.
Health organizations are focused on creating awareness about health related risks of hookah smoking that includes various forms of cancer and lung disease. Health organizations are actively conducting research to reveal the so called myth “hookah smoking is less harmful than tobacco use”. More research needs to be conducted to actually determine whether cigarette smoking or hookah smoking is more harmful. Some health organizations are conveniently claiming that the hookah smoking myth is true. Fair and impartial research must be conducted so the public at large is exposed to the truth about health related issues of smoking cigarettes compared to smoking tobacco via a hookah.
Local and state legislators across the nation have targeted hookah cafes and lounges imposing sanctions that burden these businesses. I believe that such sanctioning is not motivated by the well being of the public. My conspiracy theory is that the notorious Tobacco Industry feels threatened by the booming Hookah business thus resulting in sanctions by so called elected officials who are just the Tobacco Companies Puppets.
Brief HistoryThe exact origin of hookah cannot be limited to one country. The origin is attributed to
India,
Persia, and African southern countries. Hookah smoking has been practiced for a minimum of 500 years. Hookah was introduced to the Middle East and
North Africa beginning in the 14
th Century. Today hookah smoking is practiced in the Middle East,
India,
Pakistan,
Malaysia,
North Africa,
South Africa,
United Kingdom,
Mexico,
USA, and
Canada. Hookah smoking is a practice of smoking flavored tobacco using a water pipe. Hookah smoking is referred to as
water pipe,
nargile,
shisha,
okka,
kalyan, and
Ghalyan. Hookah lounges and cafes are increasingly popular locations near college campuses.
Hookah PopularityHookah is an inexpensive group activity. Patrons of hookah bars and cafes spend an average of $5 to $25 per smoking session. A smoking session last about 60 minutes which turns out to be less expensive than social activities including bowling, laser tag, a film at a local theater, and bar hopping. Owning a hookah is inexpensive. A hookah ranges from $25 to over a hundred dollars depending on how ornate the hookah is. Flavored tobacco (shisha) is less than ten dollars. Charcoal ranges under $15 depending on the quantity.
Hookah smoking is a group activity that enhances social dynamics. While people in a group take turns puffing the hookah people are in a relaxed state and engaged in conversation. The experience is enhanced by the hookah lounges ambience and friendly atmosphere. Hookah smoking does not cause dangerous side effects of social drinking alcohol such as inhibition or hangovers. However studies indicate that tobacco causes cancer and lung related diseases.
Hookah smoking is a pleasurable experience. Hookah smoking is enhanced by the tobacco flavors including apple, mint, peach, raspberry, mango, strawberry, jasmine, coconut, rose, and many more. The smoke is cooled, softened, and aromatic. Hookah smoking infuses the senses and encourages slow meditative breathing.
Hookah and US Society