Jason van Blerk: The War on Nicotine: A Hidden Agenda?
by Jason van Blerk
Alright, let’s dive into the rabbit hole and talk about nicotine from an angle you won’t hear in mainstream health discussions. Forget what the CDC or FDA says—let’s look at nicotine as it really is: one of the most demonized yet potentially beneficial substances in modern history.
The War on Nicotine: A Hidden Agenda?
Nicotine has been lumped in with tobacco for decades, but here’s the twist—nicotine itself is not the killer. The real dangers come from the thousands of chemicals added to cigarettes, which cause the diseases blamed on smoking. But why does the system work so hard to make nicotine public enemy number one?
One theory is that nicotine is a cognitive enhancer, a nootropic that big pharmaceutical companies don’t want people using freely. The idea is simple: if people were sharper, more focused, and less prone to degenerative diseases, the need for prescription medications would plummet.
What Nicotine Actually Does to the Body
Instead of the fear-mongering about addiction, let's talk about what nicotine really does:
Cognitive Enhancement: Nicotine stimulates acetylcholine receptors, which play a huge role in memory, learning, and alertness. It’s no coincidence that some of the greatest thinkers in history—Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, and even Steve Jobs—were known for their nicotine use.
Neuroprotection: Studies suggest that nicotine may protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Populations with higher nicotine consumption have shown lower rates of neurodegenerative disorders.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Nicotine has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation, which is a root cause of many chronic diseases, including heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
Mood Regulation: Nicotine boosts dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, improving mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s no wonder it’s been called "nature’s antidepressant."
Weight Regulation: Nicotine acts as an appetite suppressant, which could explain why obesity rates skyrocketed after aggressive anti-smoking campaigns. Coincidence?
Nicotine and COVID-19: The Bizarre Connection
During the height of the pandemic, a shocking study out of France suggested that smokers were less likely to get COVID-19 than non-smokers. Instead of exploring this further, mainstream media quickly dismissed it. Some researchers theorized that nicotine may block the ACE2 receptors that the virus uses to enter cells, reducing infection risk. But instead of looking deeper, the narrative remained the same—"Smoking is bad, nicotine is bad, case closed."
So Why the Demonization?
Nicotine isn’t just a stimulant—it’s a potential threat to the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry, and the control mechanisms in place. Here’s why:
If nicotine is recognized as a cognitive enhancer and neuroprotective agent, Big Pharma loses billions on ADHD meds, antidepressants, and Alzheimer’s drugs.
If nicotine helps regulate weight and reduce sugar cravings, the processed food industry loses its grip on the obesity epidemic.
If nicotine is a powerful tool for mental resilience, it challenges the push for sedation-based treatments (think opioids, SSRIs, and benzos).
The Nicotine Renaissance
Now, alternative health experts like Dr. Bryan Ardis and biohackers are starting to revisit nicotine—not as a drug to be feared but as a tool for health and longevity. Nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, and even microdosing pure nicotine (without tobacco) are gaining traction among those looking to optimize brain function without pharmaceuticals.
Final Thought: Is Nicotine a Tool for the Free Thinker?
If you take away the stigma, nicotine looks more like a tool for mental clarity, physical resilience, and neurological protection than a poison. It’s only dangerous when paired with the thousands of chemicals in cigarettes—yet it’s been vilified to keep people from using it in its pure, beneficial form.
The real conspiracy? Nicotine might be one of the most misunderstood substances in modern medicine, hidden in plain sight as a natural cognitive enhancer that threatens multiple industries.
Maybe it’s time to rethink what we’ve been told…
Much love,
Jason van Blerk
Co-founder | Human Garage
Together, we can inspire one billion people to heal themselves