Crossword Genius

Leaves for smoking given to graduate, cold, with company (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tobacco

'leaves for smoking' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'to graduate cold with company' is the wordplay.
'graduate' becomes 'BA' (someone with a Bachelor of Arts degree).
'cold' becomes 'C' (eg on taps).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'company' becomes 'co' (abbreviation).
'to'+'ba'+'c'+'co'='TOBACCO'

'given' is the link.

(Other definitions for tobacco that I've seen before include "Pipe leaves" , "Dangerous plant" , "Plant associated with serious health risks" , "Snuff, for example" , "Leaves prepared for smoking" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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