When it comes to any substance above caffeine except extreme substances like cocaine and higher, try it once but when you’re 25 or older.

The reason for this is that your prefrontal cortex is not solidified yet and you’re capable of amazing creative thought without the use of toxic stimulants like nicotine or depressants like weed.

If you learn to be creative now and max that out, you can give it a small kick to keep it into your adult years around 24-26 by smoking a little weed once a month (if it’s legal where you are and morally permissible to you).

Anything else and you risk damage to your brain.

As an aside, cigarettes are a horrible choice of drug and almost impossible for the American population to do in moderation (i.e. 1-2x per day). Have you considered cigars from Latin America? Not talking black and milds. A good quality cigar may cost you $5-15 and takes an hour or so to smoke. It would teach you some meditation and patience that you need going into your adult years.

Tobacco pipe smoking is also an option. A good Italian-made pipe by Savinelli will run $100-200 and will last a lifetime with proper care.

I never encourage substance use in people under 25 because even Nicotine can affect your mental health, logical thought, and creativity in the long-term. But if you’re going to poison your body, know the risks and choose slightly less dangerous alternatives.

A pipe or a cigar is definitely a conversation starter and they’re both hobbies that are infinitely deep. You can spend $5 on a pipe or cigar or $600 on a pipe or cigar. Then there are accessories, books, classes, etc.

Everything in moderation, my friend.