Cigarette vs. Reefer — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
Cigarettes are thin cylinders of finely cut tobacco enclosed in paper for smoking, while reefers (slang for marijuana cigarettes) contain cannabis.
Difference Between Cigarette and Reefer
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Cigarettes are manufactured using dried tobacco leaves and are commercially produced in a standard size and shape. On the other hand, reefers are often hand-rolled and contain marijuana, which is derived from the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant.
Health-wise, smoking cigarettes is widely recognized for its harmful effects, including lung cancer, heart disease, and numerous other health issues. Meanwhile, smoking reefers also poses health risks, but cannabis is sometimes used therapeutically to manage pain, nausea, and other medical conditions.
In terms of cultural perception, cigarettes were once a symbol of glamour and sophistication but have increasingly become associated with health risks and addiction. Conversely, reefers have been linked with counterculture movements and, more recently, a shift towards legalization and normalization in some societies.
Regarding the effect on the user, cigarettes primarily deliver nicotine, which is highly addictive and stimulates the central nervous system. In contrast, reefers contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which induces psychoactive effects and can alter perception, mood, and consciousness.
Comparison Chart
Contents
Tobacco
Cannabis
ADVERTISEMENT
Legal Status
Legal worldwide (age restrictions)
Legal/illegal depending on jurisdiction
Health Effects
Lung cancer, heart disease, etc.
Psychoactive effects, medicinal uses
Cultural Perception
Former glamour, now health concerns
Counterculture, shifting legality
Primary Effect
Delivers nicotine
Delivers THC
Compare with Definitions
Cigarette
Regulated by health warnings and public smoking bans.
Public smoking of cigarettes is banned in many cities.
Reefer
Can be used for medicinal purposes, such as pain relief.
He uses reefers to alleviate chronic pain.
Cigarette
Sold in packs of 20 or more.
She bought a pack of cigarettes at the corner store.
Reefer
Often associated with recreational drug use.
Reefers are popular at music festivals.
Cigarette
Often comes with a filter to reduce inhalation of tar and nicotine.
Most modern cigarettes have filters.
Reefer
Slang for a marijuana cigarette.
They smoked a reefer at the party.
Cigarette
A small cylinder of finely cut tobacco leaves wrapped in paper for smoking.
He smoked a cigarette during the break.
Reefer
Typically hand-rolled and lacks a filter.
The reefer was clumsily rolled but effective.
Cigarette
Associated with tobacco addiction.
Warning labels on cigarette packs highlight the risks of addiction.
Reefer
Subject to varying legal status, which affects availability.
In some states, carrying a reefer can lead to legal troubles.
Cigarette
A cigarette is a narrow cylinder containing burnable material, typically tobacco, that is rolled into thin paper for smoking. Across all forms of tobacco consumption both smoking and nonsmoking cigarettes are the most purchased and consumed tobacco item, creating a multibillion-dollar industry.
Reefer
(Nautical) A person, such as a midshipman, who reefs.
Cigarette
A thin cylinder of finely cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking.
Reefer
Marijuana, especially a marijuana cigarette.
Cigarette
A small roll of finely cut tobacco for smoking, enclosed in a wrapper of thin paper.
Reefer
A conveyance, such as a railroad car or truck trailer, that carries cargo under refrigeration.
Cigarette
A similar roll of another substance, such as a tobacco substitute or marijuana.
Reefer
A refrigerator.
Cigarette
Tobacco or other substances, in a thin roll wrapped with paper, intended to be smoked.
Reefer
(nautical) Someone who reefs sails, especially a midshipman.
Cigarette
To give someone a cigarette, and/or to light one for them.
Could someone cigarette me?
Reefer
A reefer jacket; a close-fitting jacket or short coat of thick cloth.
Cigarette
A little cigar; a little fine tobacco rolled in paper for smoking.
Reefer
A refrigerated, insulated trailer, ship or shipping container.
Cigarette
Finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking
Reefer
A refrigerator car type of boxcar.
Reefer
(countable) A marijuana cigarette.
Reefer
(uncountable) Marijuana.
Reefer
One who reefs; - a name often given to midshipmen.
Reefer
A close-fitting lacket or short coat of thick cloth.
Reefer
Marijuana leaves rolled into a cigarette for smoking
Common Curiosities
What are the main components of a reefer?
A reefer primarily consists of dried parts of the cannabis plant, particularly the flowers.
What are the typical ingredients in a cigarette?
A cigarette contains dried tobacco leaves and may include additives to control flavor and burning rate.
How is the smoking experience of a cigarette different from a reefer?
Cigarette smoke is generally harsher and contains nicotine, whereas reefer smoke has a distinctive herbal scent and contains THC.
How do health warnings differ for cigarettes and reefers?
Health warnings on cigarette packages are mandatory and global, focusing on severe health risks, whereas warnings for reefers are more varied and depend on local regulations.
What are the economic impacts of cigarette and reefer consumption?
Cigarettes contribute significantly to government revenues through taxes, while the legal marijuana industry is growing and contributing to the economy in regions where it's legal.
Are there age restrictions for purchasing cigarettes and reefers?
Yes, both products typically have age restrictions, usually 18 or 21 years old, depending on the country or state.
What are the environmental impacts of producing cigarettes compared to reefers?
Cigarette production is resource-intensive and polluting; cannabis cultivation has environmental impacts but can be less so if grown under regulated conditions.
How do the risks of secondhand smoke compare between cigarettes and reefers?
Secondhand smoke from cigarettes is well-documented to be harmful to health, whereas the effects of secondhand reefer smoke are less well understood but are also considered risky.
What are the social implications of smoking cigarettes vs. reefers?
Smoking cigarettes is widely accepted but increasingly restricted, whereas smoking reefers can carry a stigma or signify rebellion, depending on the cultural context.
How do governments typically regulate cigarettes and reefers?
Cigarettes are regulated in terms of sales, advertising, and where they can be smoked; regulations for reefers can include these aspects but are more complex due to varying legal statuses.
Is there a difference in the way cigarettes and reefers are manufactured?
Cigarettes are industrially manufactured using standardized processes, while reefers are often manually rolled.
What are the legal consequences of smuggling cigarettes vs. reefers?
Smuggling cigarettes can lead to heavy fines and penalties, but smuggling reefers can result in more severe legal consequences, including imprisonment, depending on jurisdiction.
What are the future trends likely to be for the regulation of cigarettes and reefers?
Increasing regulation and taxation of cigarettes are likely to continue, whereas the future of reefer regulation may see more legalization and medical usage globally.
Can you get addicted to cigarettes or reefers?
Yes, cigarettes are highly addictive due to nicotine; reefers are considered less physically addictive but can lead to psychological dependence.
Do cigarettes and reefers have different ceremonial or traditional uses?
Cigarettes don’t generally have ceremonial uses, but cannabis (reefers) has been used in various cultural and religious ceremonies.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Transmutation vs. Transformation
Next Comparison
Ma vs. MscAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
