Vaporization as a Smokeless Cannabis Delivery System: A Pilot Study
D.I. Abrams et al., "Vaporization as a Smokeless Cannabis Delivery System: A Pilot Study," Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutic 82, issue 5 (November 2007): 572-578.
Smoke produced by burning creates toxic byproducts including cancer-causing chemicals, PAHs, carbon monoxide and tar, and health concerns about smoking have long been cited as an objection to medical marijuana. Vaporization methods heat marijuana and release cannabinoids, the therapeutically active components of marijuana, in the form of vapor -- without combustion and associated noxious byproducts. This pilot study found that using a vaporizer produced similar THC blood levels as smoked marijuana without the harmful byproducts of smoke. Vaporization is a safe, effective cannabinoid delivery system that was preferred by study participants to smoking marijuana cigarettes.
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