When did the colonists start chewing tobacco?

Tobacco was introduced to Europe after Columbus brought it back from the Americas in 1492. It quickly became popular, and by the 16th century, it was being grown in the American colonies. Colonists began chewing tobacco as a way to pass the time and to relieve stress. Chewing tobacco was also thought to have medicinal properties, and it was often used to treat illnesses such as toothaches and headaches.