Shisha Facts

Shisha is a cultural staple and a form of social engagement for diverse communities worldwide, with a rich heritage dating back centuries to India, Persia, and the Greater Middle East.

Flavored shisha products typically contain between 15% and 25% tobacco, with the remaining constituents being glycerin, flavoring, and sugars.

Shisha is heated by an external source, usually charcoal, to approximately 190°C, releasing a cloud that is primarily composed of water, glycerol, propylene glycol, whilst also containing both flavours and nicotine.

Shisha is generally enjoyed occasionally. In the US, 90% of shisha users partake monthly [1], while in Germany, the Federal Risk Institute reports an average usage of twice a week [2].

Shisha transcends cultural boundaries, uniting people through a shared social experience.

Shisha is typically enjoyed as a social pastime. Its preparation requires time, skill, and special equipment. It is often consumed in dedicated social venues.

Shisha is not conducive to underage use due to its large, non-portable, and non-discreet equipment, lengthy preparation, and session duration of 45 minutes to an hour.

According to the US National Youth Tobacco Survey [3], shisha has significantly lower youth usage compared to other tobacco products like e-cigarettes, cigarettes, cigars, nicotine pouches, smokeless tobacco, and other oral nicotine products.

Almost all shisha consumed globally is flavored.

Shisha molasses can only be consumed through a large, specialized device known as a water pipe and cannot be smoked in cigarettes, vapes, or any other instruments.