[5] The high concentration of nicotine in its leaves makes it useful for producing pesticides,[6] and it has a wide variety of uses specific to cultures around the world.

However, N. rustica is no longer cultivated in North America, (except in small quantities by certain Native American tribes) as N. tabacum has replaced it.

It is often used for entheogenic purposes by South American shamans,[8] because of the comparatively high levels of harmala alkaloids and nicotine.

Finally, N. rustica is a common ingredient in rapé, a smokeless tobacco product usually used as a nasal snuff.

Rapé is often a combination of N. rustica and a host of other herbs, depending on the intended use, including tonka beans, cinnamon, clove buds, soda ash[4] (creating nu-nu), Anadenanthera, Erythroxylum, Virola, and more.

A "rít" of thuốc lào is followed by a flood of nicotine to the bloodstream inducing strong dizziness that lasts several seconds.

Heavy cigarette smokers have had trouble with the intense volume of smoke and the high nicotine content; side effects include nausea and vomiting.

It is common to find a table with a small box of tobacco at these establishments from which anyone can help themselves to a bowl during a tea or work break.

The smoker then sharply inhales, usually tilting the pipe upwards to an almost horizontal position (but not completely, as the water would drain into the mouth).