Most cigars have as much nicotine as several cigarettes. When cigar smokers inhale, nicotine is absorbed as rapidly as it is with cigarettes. For those who do not inhale, it is absorbed, more slowly through the lining of the mouth. People who use smokeless tobacco absorb nicotine the same way. Both inhaled and non-inhaled nicotine are highly addictive.
Cigars fall under fewer federal regulations than do cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
Cigars, however, were not included. Until recently, health warnings required on other tobacco products were absent on cigars. Cigars at present are exempt from federal tobacco regulations that restrict youth access and limit advertising. However, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws which either specifically address youth access to cigars or limit youth access to all tobacco products. Since the mid-1960's the Federal Trade Commission has overseen a testing program to report yield of tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide for most brands of cigarettes.