Methods for Extracting Nicotine From Cigarettes
Extracting the nicotine from cigarettes is possible to do at home with a few household objects. Different methods will result in different end substances; the easiest at-home method will leave you with a jelly-like substance that can be diluted with a few drops of water to make working with it easier. Nicotine is extremely dangerous in its pure form, so be sure to use extra caution using this or any method.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Cut up the cigarettes with the scissors to make the tobacco more readily accessible. Put the pieces in the glass jar and pour boiling distilled water over it. Close lid and leave to steep overnight (or at least a few hours).
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Wearing gloves, pour contents of jar through a coffee filter into saucepan to separate liquid from remaining tobacco. Wrap filter around solid remnants and squeeze to extract all liquid possible.
Boil liquid slowly until liquid evaporates. You will have a sticky syrup left; while this will still have some additives in it from the cigarette, it is close to pure nicotine.
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Alternatively, you could not slow boil at all, simply allow the liquid to evaporate on its own. This will result in purer nicotine 1.
Tips
This is an at-home simple method. To obtain truly pure nicotine, chemicals and various solvents can be used, such as hydrochloride or citrate. Experimentation seems to be the best way to decide what works best for you to obtain the result you need. Some who have tried the boiling method, indicate that boiling water is unnecessary and instead suggest putting the cut cigarettes into empty tea bags and simply steeping to obtain the nicotine. This would eliminate the need for coffee filters.
Warnings
Nicotine is an extremely dangerous poison that should not be ingested in its pure form, even in the smallest quantity. Keep your work area well-ventilated, either with a window open or fan running at all times. Be careful not to directly inhale.
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References
- Sciencemadness- Nicotine Extraction & Purification
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults in the United States. Updated November 18, 2019.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics. The American Academy of Pediatrics Issues Sweeping Recommendations on Tobacco and e-Cigarettes.
- Duke University Health System. Smokers Double Their Quit Rate By Wearing Nicotine Patch Before Stopping. Updated January 20, 2016.
- National Cancer Institute. Study finds stronger nicotine dependency associated with higher risk of lung cancer. 2014.
- Willett JG, Bennett M, Hair EC, et al. Recognition, use, and perceptions of JUUL among youth and young adults. Tob Control. 2019;28(1):115-116. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054273
- Mishra A, Chaturvedi P, Datta S, Sinukumar S, Joshi P, Garg A. Harmful effects of nicotine. Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol. 2015;36(1):24-31. doi:10.4103/0971-5851.151771
- National Institutes of Health. Managing Withdrawal. smokefree.gov.
Tips
- This is an at-home simple method. To obtain truly pure nicotine, chemicals and various solvents can be used, such as hydrochloride or citrate. Experimentation seems to be the best way to decide what works best for you to obtain the result you need.
- Some who have tried the boiling method, indicate that boiling water is unnecessary and instead suggest putting the cut cigarettes into empty tea bags and simply steeping to obtain the nicotine. This would eliminate the need for coffee filters.
Warnings
- Nicotine is an extremely dangerous poison that should not be ingested in its pure form, even in the smallest quantity. Keep your work area well-ventilated, either with a window open or fan running at all times. Be careful not to directly inhale.
Writer Bio
Shannon Johnson has been a freelance writer since 2008, specializing in health and organic and green-living topics. She practiced law for five years before moving on to work in higher education. She writes about what she lives on a daily basis.