Summary
The results of comparative analyses of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in marijuana and tobacco smoke indicate a considerably higher content of potential carcinogens in the former. A model experiment involving Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol suggests that the pyrolysis products of cannabinoids are major contributors to the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.
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We thank Dr.John Benner and Ms.Carolyn Keene of the University of Kentucky for help with the smoking experiments. This work was supported by Grant No. R01-DA-00507-01 from the National Institute of Mental Health.
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Novotny, M., Lee, M.L. & Bartle, K.D. A possible chemical basis for the higher mutagenicity of marijuana smoke as compared to tobacco smoke. Experientia 32, 280–282 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01940790
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01940790