In the United States, a loosie (or loosey) is a single cigarette that is purchased or sold. Cigarettes are required be sold in quantities of no less than 20. The sale of loose cigarettes was outlawed because of Loosies' potential appeal to children.

Roll-your-own cigarettes, sometimes known as rollies, are made by the smoker from loose tobacco rolled into a cigarette with special rolling papers. A filter, either purchased or made from cardboard, may be attached to one end. Many people think that because less manufacturing is involved, loose tobacco is safer than manufactured cigarettes.