According to the provided reference, yes, tobacco, and therefore cigarettes, are considered a narcotic.
Understanding the Classification of Tobacco
While modern scientific and medical classifications do not typically classify tobacco as a narcotic, the provided source directly states:
"Tobacco is a narcotic."
This historical view contrasts with current classifications that consider nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, a stimulant. However, the document we are basing this answer on clearly states its effect as a "soother," which is an effect commonly associated with narcotics.
How The Reference Characterizes Tobacco
- Narcotic: The text explicitly labels tobacco as a narcotic.
- Soother: It describes tobacco's effect as a soothing one, not an excitant.
- Not a Stimulant: The source makes a point to say it is not a stimulant.
The Discrepancy Explained
The use of the term 'narcotic' in this context is likely rooted in a more historical understanding of the word, where it broadly referred to substances with soothing or sedative effects rather than the more modern, precise definition. It's important to acknowledge this historical context.
Modern Understanding
Today, tobacco and nicotine are not typically classified as narcotics. Instead, nicotine is seen as a stimulant that activates certain receptors in the brain leading to addiction. The classification of a drug depends greatly on the context and the scientific criteria used for its classification.
Summary
Here's a table summarizing the information:
| Property | Description in Reference | Modern Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Narcotic | Not a Narcotic; Nicotine is a Stimulant |
| Effect | Soothing | Stimulant effect, although many users report feeling soothed |
| Primary Substance | Tobacco | Nicotine |
Given the provided reference, the answer to the question is yes: According to the text provided, a cigarette is considered a narcotic. This is based on the definition provided in the text, even though modern science may classify it differently.
