pipe smokers

[genrex]

When I was a child in the 1960s and 1970s, my father smoked a pipe. He had 2 or 3 pipes laying around the house, all of them the short straight style. His main supply of pipe tobacco stayed fresh in a metal can on top of his dresser, and he would use specially-made tobacco pouches to carry tobacco with him wherever he went. At the end of the day, you would usually find him sitting in his comfy chair in the living room, reading a book and smoking his pipe. It was very pleasant.

In 1980, when I was 24, I decided to get a pipe of my own, so I bought a nice Danish pipe with a cherry-wood stem, and the same pipe tobacco my father used. A few days later, he came over to visit while I was smoking my pipe, and he asked me to put away my pipe and quit smoking, because it causes throat cancer and mouth cancer. Naturally, I pointed out that he smoked a pipe himself. He vowed to quit smoking right then and there, on the condition that I quit also. Out of respect for him, I agreed to do that, though I wasn't quite sure if he was correct about the cancer. He was good to his word, and neither of us ever smoked again. But I couldn't bring myself to throw away my pipe with the cherry-wood stem. I still have the pipe, and I sometimes sit and think how nice it would be...

My father has been gone for a few years now, God bless his soul, and I'm sure he would be amused that I would ask the forum this question now -- was my father correct all those years ago? Is pipe smoking bad for you?

_

[id10t]

Probably. Causation, correlation, all that stuff from stats class - but pipe smokers do have a higher incidence of lip/mouth/throat cancer than other smokers, and a (slightly) reduced incidence of lung cancer

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by genrex

...Naturally, I pointed out that he smoked a pipe himself. He vowed to quit smoking right then and there, on the condition that I quit also. Out of respect for him, I agreed to do that, though I wasn't quite sure if he was correct about the cancer. He was good to his word, and neither of us ever smoked again.
...My father has been gone for a few years now, God bless his soul, and I'm sure he would be amused that I would ask the forum this question now -- was my father correct all those years ago? Is pipe smoking bad for you?

_

Of course it isn't "good" for you, but like most things in life...moderation is the key imo (and I certainly haven't always followed that rule ). An occasional bowl, I wouldn't think twice (at my age) if I wanted to, yet I wouldn't walk around with a pipe in my mouth all the time either. Serious question, and one that would have more of an impact on "my" decision...sounds like you and your dad made a "pact'...does that still "require you to keep your word"? Only you know the answer to that one....

[genrex]

As I recall, pipe smoking kinda took a nose-dive around that time. So apparently the research showed a correlation. That's good enough for me, because I would want to smoke a pipe almost every evening. I've seen pictures of oral cancers in college pathology class, and oh my god...

KC, yes, we did make a pact, and I'll keep my word. Kind of a relief actually. I can find something else to do while reading books in the evening. Maybe a small glass of port would be perfect.

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[DanielDudley]

Why yes, yes it is bad for you. And this from a former pipe smoker. But consider that your father felt strongly enough about it to ask you, and quit himself. As a smoker, I could feel that there were effects. Please don't start. It is harder to quit than you might think.

[pavulon]

Not aware of anyone who had their tongue or half of their mouth cut out (and the fun is just starting) because they didn't start smoking. Tobacco packaging has warnings written all over it for a reason.

[recycled sixtie]

My father passed away of cancer aged 52 due cigarette smoking starting in his teens. I used to smoke the occasional pipeful every few months and once I got a taste of nicotine it cured me for another 3 months. Smoking is smoking in whatever form it takes. I don't smoke at all now and don't miss it. When I apply for insurance and they ask me if I smoke I can honestly say I don't.
Pretty disgusting habit.

[Evans, Marv]

I agree smoking is a disgusting habit and a totally unnatural thing to do, and those are the main reasons I gave it up. I smoked from my mid to late teens to my late 20's and then decided I didn't want to do that/be a salve to it for the rest of my life. My dad smoked all of his life - mostly Lucky Strikes. I smoked cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc. when I smoked, and my dad smoked a pipe once in a while. He had a circular pipe rack with several pipes in it with a humidor in the center. Ironically I bought him a new pipe one time when he & my mother were visiting, and about 2 months later he stopped smoking entirely because his doctor told him he was developing emphysema. I have his pipe rack up on the top of a book case now. A pipe used to project the image of a sophisticated male. I won't ever use anything that requires me to inhale anything not natural. I get enought of that from polluted air.

[dipso]

I smoke a pipe. I have a few Savinelli 'straight apples'. Pipes are nice.

[VaSteve]

I have thougt about smoking a pipe for many years. I'm too embarrassed to go into a smoke shop and buy a starter kit, so I googled it. Three are several starter kits available. In the same search, was link from NIH or something discussing various types of cancer from pipes. I figured why start a bad habit/problem now. :/

I still think about it.... Maybe I will get one and keep it with my track stuff for the end of the day. Then my track buddies can laugh which I choke on the smoke.

[HardDrive]

Nothing wrong with a pipe. Your simply smoking the wrong plant.

[Hads930]

My dad is 81, started pipe smoking around 18. He went through throat cancer treatment last summer, cannot taste a thing and has great difficulty swallowing as the treatment damaged his salivary glands. This summer he was diagnosed with lung cancer which he has decided not to treat, his reasoning being that if the cancer does not kill him the treatment will. Tough to watch but I respect his decision.
I had a difficult time just this weekend at my daughters daddy/daughter Indian princess camp out, had a Scotch and cigar and really heard it from my 7 year old. Maybe it's time I make a pact with her.

[FLYGEEZER]

Gotta go wth HardDrive on the plant choice!

[944Larry]

Originally Posted by FLYGEEZER

Gotta go wth HardDrive on the plant choice!

Great minds think alike! I'm with you.

[gtc]

You guys can smoke pot all you want... but let's not pretend it's good for you.

[944Larry]

Originally Posted by gtc

You guys can smoke pot all you want... but let's not pretend it's good for you.

Haven't done any since college. Most people have jobs that require initial and random tests. I take several a year. Weed has some well documented health benefits although I admit overuse does lead to the Tommy Chong syndrome.

[HHI944]

Yes and nicotine has been shown to retard the progression of Alzheimer's and typically cigar smokers live longer than non-smokers. But of course, as with many things in life, there are risks.

If you want to smoke a pipe, cigar pot, crack, have a blast. We're supposed to be 'free' adults.

Personally, I greatly enjoy a regular cigar and good beer. It helps me unwind and relax, which in itself could be considered a health benefit......but I'm not saying either is healthy for you.......

[HardDrive]

If a person sees fit to smoke MJ, it should be done in moderation, like everything else.

Those that choose to make MJ a centerpiece in their lives are most assuredly not living up to their potential.

[aigel]

I'd love to smoke a pipe. Just the paraphernalia you could buy. Burl wood, metal tools ... . I like hookahs and cigars too. But I refrain from it. The upside is not worth the risks. And let's keep the discussion with tobacco in this thread. We had plenty of MJ threads already recently.

[M.D. Holloway]

I'll start when I'm 60, by that time I figuer it will take 30 to 40 years to catch me I'll be a foot in the dirt anyway!