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A possible chemical basis for the higher mutagenicity of marijuana smoke as compared to tobacco smoke

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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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Author notes

  1. K. D. Bartle

    Present address: Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, England

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 47401, Bloomington, Indiana, USA

    M. Novotny, M. L. Lee & K. D. Bartle

  2. Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, England

    M. Novotny & M. L. Lee

Authors
  1. M. Novotny
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  2. M. L. Lee
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  3. K. D. Bartle
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Additional information

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

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