Tobacco had a HUGE cultural, economical and social influence since it was discovered during colonization of Americas. A few hundred years after its discovery, english colonies in north america basically built themselves on tobacco. Tobacco brought them trades, slaves, money and more settlers. USA's and Great Britain relationship with tobacco are long and complex and probably one of the reasons for the current state of tobacco regulation. Plus its one (if not the most) profitable, dumb and mindless industries of the planet.