What is it?
Cigars and cigarillos are cylinders of various sizes, made from whole tobacco leaves rolled around other leaves or pieces of chopped tobacco. Cigarillos are thinner than cigars, but both produce a thick, dense smoke. A pipe is an object made of wood or another material, featuring a hollow bowl into which loose tobacco can be placed.
All of these tobacco-containing products contain nicotine. To use them, you must burn the tobacco and inhale the smoke, then hold it in your mouth—that is, smoke without inhaling (“crapoter”).
What's the problem?
Cigars and cigarillos often contain more toxic substances (including carcinogens) than industrially manufactured cigarettes. A puff of a cigar contains more nicotine and other toxic substances than a puff of a regular cigarette. Using these products, even occasionally, carries a high risk of developing a nicotine dependence.
Even though the smoke is often “filtered,” it exposes persons who use or consume it to health risks, such as diseases of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx, as well as cardiovascular disease. Regular smoking increases the risk of clogged arteries (coronary heart disease), stroke, and aortic aneurysm. These risks also apply to people exposed to secondhand smoke. In adolescents, nicotine can also impair attention span, learning abilities, and emotional regulation.
Flavored cigarillos, which are aimed at a younger customer base, may encourage the use of other tobacco products and nicotine products.
How many young people use drugs?
Among 15- to 19-year-olds, 2% smoke cigars at least occasionally, and 1% smoke cigarillos with the same frequency (ESL, 2025).
What is the legal framework?
Under the Federal Act on Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes (LPTab, in effect since October1, 2024), the supply of tobacco products (cigarettes, heated tobacco products, snus, snuff, cigars, and cigarillos, etc.) and nicotine products (electronic cigarettes / e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches) to minors is prohibited. This prohibition applies to both vending machines and online stores: any violation is punishable by law. The minimum age for the sale of tobacco products and nicotine products is set at 18 throughout Switzerland. Every point of sale must display this prohibition in a visible and legible manner.
For more detailsIn short, what should you keep in mind?
- 1.Cigars, cigarillos, and pipes contain as many, if not more, toxic substances as cigarettes.
- 2.Even secondhand smoke is harmful: it increases the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke for both persons who use or consume it and those around them.
- 3.Nicotine dependence can develop even with occasional use.
- 4.In Switzerland, the sale and free distribution of cigars and cigarillos to persons under the age of 18 is prohibited.
How can we talk to young people about this?
Before discussing this with young people, it’s helpful to feel comfortable with the topic and have a few pointers to help get the conversation started. As parents, teachers, or youth professionals, you’ll find more information on how to talk to young people about this in the “Your Role” section.