Clarifying the Recent Study Comparing Tobacco and Cannabis Smoke

A few comments responding to this news item that are apparent reading the study:

1) Investigators reported that mainstream marijuana smoke contained lower levels of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (cancer causing agents) compared to tobacco.

2) Nicotine, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, arsenic, and lead were not present in marijuana smoke.

3) HCN forms from protein at temperatures above 700 degrees C, and would likely be reduced or eliminated by vaporization.

4) Clinical trials have shown that vaporization -- whereby marijuana is heated to a temperature where active cannabis vapors form, but below the point of combustion -- can greatly reduce or eliminate the presence of many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Most recently, investigators at San Francisco General Hospital reported in the journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics that the "vaporization of marijuana does not result in exposure to combustion gases, ... and is preferred by most subjects compared to marijuana cigarette." A previous clinical trial published in 2006 in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences reported that vaporization is "safe and effective" cannabinoid delivery system that "avoid[s] the respiratory disadvantages of smoking.²

5) The higher presence of ammonia, HCN, and aromatic amines (nitrogen-related chemicals) in marijuana were likely all due to the fact that Prairie Plant Systems cultivated the pot used in the trial with a high nitrate fertilizer. (By contrast, the tobacco used in the study was not treated with a similar fertilizer.) I know that in the past Philippe Lucas/The VICS has been outspoken in his criticism of Prairie Plant Systems grow techniques, and I'd imagine that these latest findings will only add fuel to his fire. (Click here to subscribe to my feed!)

From: Clarifying recent reports comparing marijuana smoke and tobacco smoke : Indybay