Tabacco reproduction in the us is very weird. If you can get a plant vs seeds, you might have better luck. I hear the heirloom stuff is better. My homie has a few plants in Oakland. He generally tries to get it in a warm spot too. I'll hit him up and see what he says.
The money question- I guess it depends who you are and how far you'll go. A woman's healthy eggs go for about $2,000 or more, and that's not even illegal. And if your illegally selling something, just keep on the hustle.
I would suggest human kidneys, going to grocery stores and resale shit (if you know someone who will buy that shit), or bring it to a different location and get a refund.
If your I'm Cali, sell some o c's mang.