Roll-your-own cigarette

Roll-your-own cigarette (RYO) refers to a tobacco cigarette that is manually rolled by an individual, rather than being pre-manufactured by a tobacco company. This practice is common among smokers who wish to save money, as it is often cheaper than buying pre-made cigarettes.

History

The practice of rolling one's own cigarettes has been around for centuries. It was particularly common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, before the advent of mass-produced cigarettes. The Industrial Revolution brought about the invention of the cigarette rolling machine, which made it easier for individuals to roll their own cigarettes.

Process

The process of rolling a cigarette involves several steps. First, the smoker must choose their preferred type of tobacco. This can range from loose leaf tobacco to finely cut tobacco. The tobacco is then placed on a rolling paper, which is a thin, rectangular sheet made from paper, rice, or other materials. The smoker then uses their fingers to roll the paper and tobacco into a cylinder. A filter may also be added to one end of the cigarette.

Health Risks

While some smokers believe that RYO cigarettes are less harmful than manufactured cigarettes, research has shown that this is not the case. RYO cigarettes can still deliver high levels of tar and nicotine, and they carry the same health risks as manufactured cigarettes, including lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema.

Legislation

In many countries, the sale and use of RYO cigarettes are regulated by law. For example, in the United States, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 gave the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate the manufacture, distribution, and marketing of tobacco products, including RYO cigarettes.

See Also

• Tobacco smoking
• Cigarette
• Tobacco industry