uch of its addictive potential comes from it being consumed with the number of other chemicals and additives found in tobacco or vaping products.
Chemicals such as formaldehyde, lead, arsenic, carbon monoxide, and more all contribute to the addictive and dangerous potential of tobacco smoking. In addition, when smoked, the potential of addiction also increases dramatically because nicotine and the additives get into the bloodstream immediately. Other nicotine products like gums, troches, and sprays take longer to exert an effect and have less addictive potential.
Nicotine can be derived from tobacco or be made synthetically in a lab. Tobacco-derived nicotine comes from the tobacco plant. Synthetic nicotine is made in a lab without any potential impurities, additives, or other chemical compounds that may contaminate or be added to tobacco-derived nicotine.
Nicotine Nootropic Benefits
Nicotine has numerous cognitive benefits and positive effects on the brain including:
- Focus 
- Concentration 
- Memory and learning 
- Protecting your brain (neuroprotective) 
- Creativity 
Many campaigns against tobacco use have painted it as a destroyer of brain and nerve cells. Contrary to this popular belief, studies have found potential for it as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s .
Does nicotine make you smarter?
There are numerous benefits of nicotine as a nootropic, but it isn't going to morph you into Einstein overnight. As a neuroactive compound, it may momentarily fine-tune your brain's processing capabilities but it's no substitute for knowledge and experience. Bear in mind that true wisdom comes from a lifetime of learning — nicotine is just temporarily turning up the dial on your cognitive radio, not reprogramming the station.
Does nicotine improve focus?
Could nicotine act as your brain's temporary assistant? Potentially. By engaging with specific neurotransmitters, nicotine can offer a brief period of sharpened focus — an intellectual espresso shot, if you will. However, like caffeine, the kick of nicotine for focus is fleeting. For sustainable mental performance, you've got to rely on consistent study, healthy lifestyle choices, and good ol' fashioned discipline.
A typical cigarette has a dose of nicotine between 6-28 mg, while a cigar can astonishingly have between 100-200 mg. Wow!
In contrast, a nicotine nootropic dose is low, with recommended starting doses between 0.5 to 2 mg per day. At this dosage, you get the cognitive benefits and positive effects of nicotine on the brain, while decreasing the possibility for any negative effects.
Nicotine’s half-life is about 2 hours . This means that if you ingest 5 mg, in 2 hours your body will have 2.5 mg left (and so on) so it’s pretty short-acting compared to caffeine.
Nicotine should be used with caution or not taken by individuals who have:
- Cardiovascular or peripheral vascular diseases
- Accelerated hypertension
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, or insulin-dependent diabetes
- Fetal/infant harm may occur if taken by pregnant/nursing adults
Always ask your doctor before starting a nicotine product to make sure it’s safe for you to do so. Obviously, if you ask them if you can smoke cigarettes, they’ll say f*ck no... that is, unless you’ve somehow commandeered a Dolorian and went back in time with Marty McFly to 1955 when doctors were on TV telling everyone to smoke the ones they do. It was the new health trend for babies and doctors alike back then!
Types of Nicotine Nootropics
Nicotine's potential as a cognitive enhancer is a popular topic in nootropic circles. While this chemical has garnered a bad reputation through its association with smoking, it's crucial to clarify that nicotine's nootropic properties are separate from the destructive effects of tobacco consumption and can even help to quit smoking. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of nicotine as it stands alone, focusing on its nootropic forms that are quickly capturing attention for their brain-boosting prowess.
The nicotine lozenge