What you speak of is the difference between the strong and the weak; the fortunate and the less than prepared.
Mr. Heathy, awesome personality, might just as well have a disfunction when it comes to staying out of harms way and could very easily fall victim to
his own ignorance outside of the world that is set for him. Is he an addict of Societal whim or guidance? Probably! Most likely he will find himself
withdrawing from that loss just as easily.
Tobacco is easy to grow and the seeds are readily available to anyone, they have a long shelf life and the seedlings, although minute at first, are
the type that take well to numerous replantings and will not even fuss if the plant is pulled directly out of the soil and roots exposed (not many
plants are so forgiving on transplanting).
The plant is quite drought hardy and if there are any immature plants once winter comes they can be moved indoors and potted (without fuss). However,
more importantly, under milder winters (perhaps zone 8 and above) the roots will not die, with a covering of mulch a second or third season of
regrowth can occur.
Curing is easy but fermenting can be tricky, best to ferment in sealed vats or containers where the control of mold can be handled if flavorings and
sugars are used. Nothing is worse than sugars and moisture over heat! (personally I used an old refrigerator and reversed the fan so that I could get
airflow and keep my moisture levels from getting too much/high) Sorry for the pun!
Overall, what a terrific, non-fuss plant that even looks fabulous as an ornamental in the garden. I have always enjoyed growing tobacco they are so
wonderful looking!
Most of the serious problems with smoking are a result of the enhancement measures used in industrial manufacturing. Seriously, if you want to smoke
and live to be 100, home-grown and natural is the way to go. Cancer? Yeah, got cancer at 92 and your doctor tells you best quit smoking! LOL
Seriously, I am not laughing at those who did get cancer, I respect anyone who believes it is a death-sentence even if that is not true. In most
cases with cancer there are far too many factors to a person's life to predetermine anything these days! Considering Fukishima I doubt smoking will
be such a fearful thing when it finally plumes over us all, sad to say that too!
Smokers are less likely to promote fungus growth on things they touch, like food products, because of the nicotine residue on their hands; of course
washing hands is appropriate before food handling but we know how we are. I have often had a smoker touch the soil of a fresh seed planting in order
to prevent seedling death called "dampening off"; quite a common thing when growing seedlings (veggies or flowers) in an indoor window or cold-frame.
Here is an interesting wiki page speaking in terms of the "Smokers Paradox"; the part about schizophrenia was a surprise to me; seems that anything on
the level of helping those that are on anti-psychotic medication might find this helpful in the "end times" scenarios.
Health Benefits of Smoking
If you do grow Tobacco and are a non-smoker (like me) the juice can be used with distilled water as a natural systemic pesticide on plants not
intended for immediate consumption. The dried crushed leaves, taken to powder can be used as a topical pesticide as well.
On a thread long ago smoking came up and it was asked what would they do in the event of the "Apocalypse" and I laughed so hard because I was like,
"it's the Apocalypse, everyone gets to smoke in Hell"; oh the irony!
I might consider accepting SASE if anyone would like some Virginia Gold seeds to add to their bug-out bags. Send me a message and I will send you a
P.O. Box address to send that. I will let you know based on your location because I don't think I can ship to other countries. However, I do know it
is perfectly legal to send seeds here in the US to private gardeners. (added that for those who are suddenly urged to scream) If the FBI says
otherwise they can look me up!
edit on 5/22/2012 by Greensage because: spelling error