I was lucky enough to be able to stop, after many failed attempts, pretty easily around 15 years ago. I don't know the why's and wherefores but I effectively decided to convince myself that I was a non-smoker! Daft as it sounds it did seem to work. Like Steve I used every type of tobacco available but my main one was Golden Virginia in Rizla liquorice papers. Funny thing is, I am still convinced that while tobacco is harmful, the effects of 'raw' tobacco never seemed as bad a pre-made cigarettes.

Anyway, I did smoke a few times after becoming a non-smoker and, yes, I do know how daft that sounds. But even if I had a few cigars when on holiday or certain herbal substances mixed with tobacco occasionally, I never once felt the need to continue doing so afterwards. The last time I smoked was nearly two years ago when I had about 6 Mehari Sweet Orient cigars out of a pack of 10 at a lads weekend away. I just binned the rest. Time before that was probably the previous year. So over the last fifteen or so years I have probably smoked on a dozen or so occasions and not at all for the last two.

All this means is that I have been on both sides of the fence so to speak. I think the high tax is right if it does help people stop or even not start. Quite a big if though. It is far from a simple question and does not therefore have a simple answer. I am more concerned at the moment with the proposed taxation on 'e-cigarettes'. It seems very unfair to tax what may be some peoples only chance to rid themselves of the habit. OK - They are still getting nicotine but non of the other harmful substances in cigarette smoke. Maybe there should be tax incentives to get people to switch? Maybe we need to help make the addiction safer? Just a thought.

Cough

DtG