Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Bidis (also spelled "beedies") are small, flavored, unfiltered cigarettes made in India that contain more tar and nicotine than regular cigarettes, but less tobacco. They consist of shredded tobacco rolled in dried Tendu leaves (a broad-leafed plant native to India) secured with string. While bidis have been imported into the United States for at least 20 years, they seem to have become popular among young people only recently.

Bidis have been marketed directly to persons under the age of 18. Bidis are available in many flavors that mask the harsh taste of the tobacco and appeal to teens, such as watermelon, root beer, mango, and cherry. Bidis are also popular because they cost less than cigarettes. Like cigarettes, bidis cannot legally be sold to anyone under 18, but minors may have little trouble acquiring them. In addition to being sold at convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and smoke shops, bidis are available on the Internet and by telephone order.

Unlike most cigarettes, bidis are unfiltered and therefore may have more harmful health effects. An unfiltered bidi releases three to five times more tar and nicotine than a regular cigarette. Scientific research indicates that bidi smokers run the risk of developing oral cancers, lung cancers, and other health problems, just like cigarette smokers. Bidi smoke contains more deadly chemicals such as ammonia and carbon monoxide, than regular cigarette smoke, therefore increasing the risk of all cancers. Between 1994 and 1995, bidis were reclassified from "cigar" to "cigarette." The sale of bidis is regulated in the same way as other forms of tobacco.

For more information about tobacco use, contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3612.