Advertisers claim that these cigarettes are a better alternative to standard cigarettes. However, herbal cigarettes are just as dangerous as regular cigarettes.
Like the smoke from tobacco cigarettes smoke from these herbal cigarettes contain numerous carcinogens and toxins, including carbon monoxide, regardless of nicotine content.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ordered distributors and retailers to stop using existing ads and promotional materials.

The companies were forced to place health warnings to their packages.
The researches of National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research have found that clove cigarettes, bidis and additive-free cigarettes release about the same about of nicotine as standard cigarettes.
Another study of the National Institute on Drug Abuse has shown that clove herbal cigarettes are dangerous when burned.

The chemicals produced when burned increases smokers risks of respiratory conditions of pneumonia, bronchitis and lung infections.
Some herbal cigarettes appeal to young smokers because of candy-like flavors like vanilla, chocolate and fruit. Tendu leaves used to wrap bidis do not burn easily, causing smokers to inhale more cancer-causing compounds and toxins into their lungs.
Additional negative health effects associated with the addictive behavior of smoking for “regular” cigarettes, or “tobacco free” herbal cigarettes.