Actually, nicotine is MORE psycoactive than THC. Rip a filter off of a Marlboro, then smoke it like you would a joint -- Deep drags, holding it in your lungs for a long time -- and see what the effect is. Now, smoke a joint like you would a normal cigarette -- shallow drags, in and out -- and see the effect.
Most of the effect of THC is the manner in which its ingested. Eat it, drink it -- you get euphoric and relaxed, but not really dumbed down, unless your mind has prepared you to become dumbed down.
Alot of it is purely psychological -- i've know stoners who got oregano and thought it was good stuff -- all because their mind was expecting that. A similar effect can be observed in alcohol. People use alcohol as a excuse to act stupid, when they really haven't had enough to cause the psychoactive effect.
I've done both before. Tobacco and pot while in school. I think both are fine if used as a social type thing. I wouldn't recommend 18 wheel truck driving, though.
The brownies were the best because the buz is not so brain deadening and the taste is awful - the chocolate helps to cover that.
The old Mexican was pretty weak stuff, and the joint had to be the size of a cigar. That was best for brownies.
I've had stuff from Canada (Canadian skunk) that when used in a one hitter only took about 2 good hits and it was enough. If you did anymore, you'd have to ask what year it was!