Bidis & Kreteks

Bidis and Kreteks (Clove Cigarettes)^[15]

*Bidis are small, thin, hand-rolled cigarettes. Bidis are primarily imported from India and other Southeast Asian countries. They are tobacco wrapped in a tendu or temburni leaf and are sometimes tied with colorful string at one or both ends.

Bidis can be flavored (e.g. chocolate, cherry or mango) or unflavored. However, flavored bidis are not allowed in the U.S. because of the ban on flavored cigarettes.

*Kreteks are often referred to as clove cigarettes. They typically contain about 60% tobacco and 40% ground cloves. Kreteks are imported from Indonesia but are banned in the U.S. due to the ban on flavored cigarettes.

No tobacco product is safe. In the U.S., there is limited research on the long-term health effects of bidis and kreteks. Research from India shows that bidi smoking causes cancer and other health conditions, while research from Indonesia shows that kretek smoking is associated with lung problems.

*Please note: These items are not widely used in Michigan

15. Be Tobacco Free, http://betobaccofree.hhs.gov/health-effects/smoking-health/#bones