They often have a home-made look, are sometimes tied up in bundles and can be mistaken for small, thin, herbal cigarettes.

In addition, the use of herbal cigarettes reinforces the habit of smoking which smokers need to overcome.

Like herbal cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, they are often used as a tobacco cessation aid.

They have asked the county attorney to draft legislation prohibiting the sale of herbal cigarettes to anyone younger than 18.

There is no prohibition on the sales now, although some merchants have said they voluntarily refuse to sell herbal cigarettes to minors.

"But herbal cigarettes are producing smokers in training."

Smoking bans are so strict in these places that actors cannot legally light even herbal cigarettes onstage.

In Ireland herbal cigarettes, which do not contain tobacco and which actors frequently use as an alternative, are permitted.

Many productions, like "Chicago" on Broadway, use herbal cigarettes instead of bothering to get a waiver.

In a few other cases, companies selling herbal cigarettes or snuff appear to be trying to attract long-term users, not just quitters.