Great American Spit Out encourages individuals to break free from smokeless tobacco addiction every 3rd Thursday of February. This vital day provides resources and support, especially for veterans, to help users quit. Take the first step towards a healthier life, share your story, and advocate for a tobacco-free generation.
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History of Great American Spit Out
Addiction is something humans and possibly mammals have struggled against for eons. It is a response that is naturally found in mammals. There are various organic and inorganic chemicals that we get addicted to. Tobacco is perhaps the most common form of addiction that has haunted humanity since the dawn of evolution. Tobacco addiction can manifest through chewing tobacco products, sniffing them, and smoking them.
The history of tobacco is closely linked to trade routes and human migration history. The local tribes on the American continent gifted Columbus with tobacco leaves, among other materials, when he first reached the continent in 1492. In the 15th century, the Portuguese established the first commercial tobacco plantation in Brazil. Within another century, tobacco was immensely popular throughout the world.
The popularity of tobacco products grew in America during the Revolutionary War. But soon, people started noticing tobacco’s addictive nature and health hazards. Various countries discovered tobacco’s adverse effects and addictive nature, and of the nicotine inside it. In 1610, Sir Francis Bacon noticed tobacco’s addictive properties. Tobacco also has a history that follows human conflicts. Where wars raged, people used tobacco for either chewing or smoking. The Great American Spit Out specifically addresses these veterans’ dependence on tobacco and its adverse effects. Therefore, we observe the day to encourage and challenge everyone to reduce or stop their tobacco product use.
Great American Spit Out timeline
The native people of Mesoamerica and South America use tobacco.
Portuguese sailors cultivate tobacco for personal use and gifting.
The Portuguese start tobacco plantations in Brazil.
John Rolfe, famous for marrying Pocahontas, cultivates tobacco in Virginia.
Philip Morris starts selling hand-rolled Turkish cigarettes.
Great American Spit Out FAQs
When is Great American Spit Out?
In 2027, Great American Spit Out will be observed on Friday, February 18. It’s a key day to raise awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco and promote cessation efforts.
How many Americans use smokeless tobacco?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that millions of Americans continue to use smokeless tobacco, with prevalence particularly high among certain demographics. The day aims to reduce these numbers.
What are the health risks of smokeless tobacco?
Using smokeless tobacco products exposes users to at least 28 cancer-causing chemicals. Beyond oral cancers, it can cause leukoplakia (precancerous lesions in the mouth), and its nicotine content makes it highly addictive, posing long-term health challenges.
Is smokeless tobacco less harmful than cigarettes?
Many mistakenly believe smokeless tobacco is harmless compared to smoking, but it carries its own distinct and serious health risks. Both forms of tobacco are highly addictive and detrimental to health, underscoring the importance of quitting all tobacco products.
How to Observe Great American Spit Out
Spread awareness about tobacco use
Create online and offline campaigns underlining the importance of stopping tobacco use. You can also create statistical data that showcases the health benefits that non-tobacco users enjoy.
Provide resources to people in need
Find people who want to reduce their tobacco use. Help them consult with an expert and follow up with them regarding the progress of their tobacco reduction plan.
File a petition to ban tobacco products
File a petition to ban products that have nicotine or tobacco. Such products may cause addiction and health problems in the long run. Gather support for the petition to force the government to ban tobacco products for the good of those battling addiction.
5 Important Facts About Tobacco
The mass murderer
Tobacco kills 80% of its users.
Cancer-causing agent
Tobacco contains 19 types of cancer-causing materials.
The tobacco epidemic
Tobacco kills more than eight million people annually from direct and indirect exposure.
Smokeless tobacco kills too
The use of smokeless tobacco is more dangerous than normal tobacco.
The most dangerous killer
More people die due to tobacco use than malaria, tuberculosis, and H.I.V. combined.
Why Great American Spit Out is Important
It’s the best day to make a change
It is difficult for many nicotine and tobacco addicts to recognize the health problems associated with its use. This is a day to create a massive campaign and spread awareness against tobacco use.
We want to protect our youth
Young kids are trying tobacco and getting addicted to it. Some laws ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18. But they are still getting the products, and this is a day to help eradicate such issues.
Tobacco use causes problems for non-users too
Second-hand exposure to tobacco impacts non-users’ health too. So, if you can stop your use, then stop it. Otherwise, try to reduce the use or stop using it in public.
Great American Spit Out dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 19 | Thursday |
| 2027 | February 18 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February 24 | Thursday |
| 2029 | February 22 | Thursday |
| 2030 | February 21 | Thursday |
