In 1828, nicotine was separated from the tobacco plant by Posselt and Reimann, who are both German chemists. Posselt and Reimann first believed nicotine was a poison. Tobacco originated in both South and North America, specifically the areas with a mild climate. The tobacco plant derives from the genus Nicotiana. Nicotiana is from the nightshade family.
Tobacco products that contain nicotine are used across the world. In India, users claim it prevents bad breath and relieves stress. Similar to the United States, tobacco products are used in movies as stylish or fun products. Teens and children see these actors as role models and this leads to tobacco use as they have the desire to be like the actors.
During Columbus's expedition, he traded with Native Americans for dried tobacco leaves. Dried tobacco leaves were a prized possession among Native Americans. Rodrigo de Jerez and Luis de Torres were the first Europeans to practice smoking tobacco products. They enjoyed the sensation of smoking, which then lead them to being addicted, which then caused them to bring this habit back to Europe.
In the 15th century, Portuguese sailors planted tobacco plants around trading outposts. Mid-century, Brazil grew tobacco for trade, by this time tobacco was traded between Europe and America.
The tobacco plant and its use were introduced to almost every country in Europe by the end of the 16th century. Unaware of the negative effects of tobacco use, doctors prescribed the use to cure many different ailments.
https://tobaccofreelife.org/tobacco/tobacco-history/