Chemical and physical variations of cannabis smoke from a variety of cannabis samples in New Zealand
File(s)Chem and Phys Variations of Cannabis Smoke.docx (447.46 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Hamnett, HJ
Sheehan, Thomas
Beasley, Richard
Fitzmaurice, Paul
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Studies have compared the chemical properties of tobacco smoke to those of cannabis smoke, with the objective of identifying the chemical attributes responsible for the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of cannabis smoke. Comparative studies have included small sample sizes and produced conflicting results. The aim of this study was to assess the major chemical and physical variations of cannabis smoke across a range of cannabis samples of different potencies and origins, sourced from the illegal market in New Zealand. Twelve cannabis samples were studied ranging from 1.0% to 13.4% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC) content (%). A smoking machine was used to smoke “joints” (cannabis cigarettes) and the chemical/physical properties of the smoke assessed. The chemical constituents of the smoke extracts were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A range of different chemical constituents (in addition to Δ9THC) was identified and their concentrations estimated. Terpenoids were identified as the major variable in cannabis smoke, showing a 40-fold range in total terpenoid content. Analysis of the total particulate matter showed that significantly different levels of particulate matter were produced between the different cannabis samples, ranging from 14.6–66.3mg/g of cannabis smoked. The Δ9THC delivery efficiency during smoking was also investigated and produced consistent results showing a mean and median of 12.6% and 10.8%, respectively, of the theoretically available Δ9THC (ranging from 7.2% to 28.0%).
Date Issued
2019-04-03
Date Acceptance
2018-02-23
Citation
Forensic Sciences Research, 2019, 4 (2), pp.168-178
ISSN
2096-1790
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Start Page
168
End Page
178
Journal / Book Title
Forensic Sciences Research
Volume
4
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
© 2018 Taylor & Francis. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Forensic Sciences Research on 12 Apr 2018, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/20961790.2018.1445937.
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2018-04-12