6. What is Nicotine?

Nicotine is an alkaloid found in certain plants, predominantly tobacco, and in lower quantities in plants like tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and green peppers. Nicotine is highly addictive and it is the chemical in tobacco smoke that causes smokers to become addicted. Its effects are not unlike caffeine, also a naturally occurring alkaloid, in that it causes an initial stimulation, and thereafter a feeling of relaxation, calmness, and an enhanced ability to concentrate. The effects of nicotine can last from minutes to hours. Nicotine has never been classified as a carcinogen.