What's in a Shisha?

Shisha molasses typically contain between 15% and 25% tobacco. The remainder is comprised of molasses, glycerin and flavor. Shisha molasses are heated, not burned. An external heating element – charcoal – is placed over a bowl that contains the molasses. Typically, shisha molasses are heated to around 190°C, releasing a cloud that is primarily composed of water, glycerol, propylene glycol, whilst also containing both flavours and nicotine.

Shisha use is typically occasional. It takes time and skill to prepare and cannot be carried around easily like other tobacco or nicotine-containing products. It is generally enjoyed in social settings, weekly or monthly, for the majority of consumers around the world. For example, a study in the

United States found that 90% of shisha users have it monthly [1], while in Germany, the Federal Institute for Risk estimates an average of around twice a week for the average consumer [2].

REFERENCES

[1] Journal of Nicotine and Tobacco Research, June 2018
https://www.jstor.org/stable/e26771723

[2] Deutsche Bundesinstitut fur Riskobewertung (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) (2018). Frequently asked questions about waterpipes.
http://www.bfr.bund.de/en/frequently_asked_questions_about_water_pipes-60838.html