The LLAMA says. ( Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to humans. A little menthol makes little difference, It is like adding a BB shot from a pellet gun to 50 calibre bullet shot out of a rifle. The BB is meaningless.) The cooling effect is a physical pleasure, not psychoactive.
And I have nothing to sell !
"Menthol itself is not considered psychoactive in the traditional sense, as it does not produce effects typically associated with substances that alter mood, perception, or cognition, such as alcohol or certain drugs. However, menthol can have some effects on the body that might influence perception and sensation.
Here are a few points to consider:
- Cooling Sensation: Menthol activates the TRPM8 receptor, which is responsible for sensing cold temperatures. This can create a cooling sensation that some people find pleasurable or refreshing.
- Mild Stimulant Effects: Some studies suggest that menthol may have mild stimulatory effects on the central nervous system, potentially enhancing alertness or focus, but these effects are generally subtle and not comparable to those of traditional psychoactive substances.
- Association with Smoking: Menthol is commonly used in cigarettes and tobacco products, where it can mask the harshness of smoke and make inhalation easier. This can lead to increased consumption, which might indirectly affect mood and cognition due to nicotine's psychoactive properties.
- Potential for Misleading Effects: The sensory effects of menthol might lead some individuals to perceive a change in their mental state, but this is more about sensory modulation than true psychoactivity.
In summary, while menthol can influence sensory experiences and may have mild effects on alertness, it does not have psychoactive properties in the way that substances like caffeine, alcohol, or illicit drugs do."