Carcinogenic Research
҉
A
carcinogen is often perceived as a substance or radiation toxin that directly
causes cancer by inducing mutations with continuous exposure; however, not all
carcinogens are as actively harmful. The International Agency for Research on
Cancer1 has grouped carcinogenic levels into the following:
2
[group]
|
[carcinogenicity]
|
1
|
sufficient evidence
|
2A
|
almost sufficient evidence
|
2B
|
inadequate evidence
|
3
|
not classifiable evidence
|
4
|
evidence suggesting lack
of
|
Interestingly
enough, alcoholic beverages along with tobacco are associated with Group 1 (in
which have both proven to be harmful). Carcinogens found on grilled and
barbequed meats are not as detrimental in low moderations, however the higher
the frequency of consumption, the higher one risks health deterioration.
Carcinogens have both natural and artificial properties and not all are as
harmful as others; many natural carcinogens (such as bacteria, fungi, or
viruses) have been proven to be beneficial.
Although
cannabis and tobacco smoke both contain carcinogens, their carcinogenicity
varies and is possibly linked to nicotine and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabino (THC)
binding to separate receptors to activate related pathways (such as nicotine
receptors in the cells of the lungs).3 There is a significant
correlation between tobacco smoking and cancer as nicotine increases the
carcinogenic effects of tobacco smoke4. In studies conducted with
both cannabis and tobacco smokers, it has been determined that the tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC) in the lungs creates a protective effect against the tobacco tar,
reducing carcinogenic activity.5 Cannabis has continuously proven to
have more inverse effects on cancer rather than adverse ones. Cannabinoids are
capable of attacking and eliminating cancers associated with: breast/prostate,
lung, glioma, skin, leukemia/lymphoma, and pheochromocytoma.
Cannabis smoke (due to genotoxic effects of
partially oxidized hydrocarbons) can potentially cause respiratory
dysfunctions, however is not linked to cancers.4 Hydrocarbons are
organic compounds; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons specifically are those
associated with smoke inhalation, containing: benzene, toluene, and
naphthalene. PAHs are organic pollutants, and although they are considered carcinogenic,
they can be as carcinogenic as consuming grilled or barbequed meat. The
International Agency for Research on Cancer has categorized benzene with Group
1, naphthalene with Group 2B, and toluene with Group 3.
Paraphernalia designed to
be used with water helps reduce to amount of carcinogens, however, this is due
to some of the smoke being contained in the water chamber, so one may be
smoking more to achieve the same high. The most effective and efficient
way is a vaporizer. Marijuana itself does not contain the carcinogens;
vaporizers at 200°C (392°F) heat the marijuana to release active THC vapors
rather than burning it, eliminating roughly 95% of carcinogenic smoke,
eliminating benzene, toluene, and naphthalene while preserving nearly 50% more
THC.6 Since carbon monoxide and smoke tar levels are significantly
reduced, vaporizers are more tolerable on the lungs and throat, producing a
cleaner and more potent high as the marijuana is better conserved.
“Significant amounts of THC (around 5%-6%) begin to be released at 180°C, with
slightly more (7% or 8%) at 200°C.”7 The two most common types of
vaporizers are either convectional or conductional. The difference between them
is that the element used to heat a convection vaporizer never directly comes
into contact with the herb; it indirectly heats through the flow of hot air.
Conduction vaporizers that directly heat the herb produce satisfactory results,
but are inferior to the conductional method.
Here is an excerpt from The National Institute on
Drug Abuse:
“THC acts upon specific molecular targets on brain
cells, called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are ordinarily activated
by chemicals similar to THC called endocannabinoids, such as anandamide. These
are naturally occurring in the body and are part of a neural communication
network (the endocannabinoid system) that plays an important role in normal
brain development and function. The highest density of cannabinoid receptors is
found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thinking,
concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement. Marijuana
overactivates the endocannabinoid system, causing the high and other effects
that users experience. These include distorted perceptions, impaired
coordination, difficulty with thinking and problem solving, and disrupted
learning and memory.”8
In all respect, they are correct. However, they fail to
mention that some of the negative effects associated with marijuana, such as
“distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty with thinking and
problem solving, and disrupted learning and memory” are dependant on
consumption amount, as too much of anything can be a bad thing, and the added
effects of the carcinogens.
Independent Experimentation
҉
My preferred
method of smoking has typically been with a piece that involves water, as it is
much smoother on the lungs and throat. As somebody who is highly interested in
living a healthy and conserving lifestyle, I considered investing in a
vaporizer. I felt that after a week of using it myself along with having others
use it gave me some insight into carcinogenic research.
My personal
experience with the vaporizer has been nothing but positive. I do consume less
marijuana while achieving better highs that are functional, and what I
mean to say by functional is that I feel that I can ingest more of the
THC benefits without feeling overwhelmingly stoned. I have purposely
consumed more than I needed to observe if I could still maintain composure, in
which I have succeeded. Thus far, I have been able to take helpful subjective
evidence from six other sources:
[subjects]
|
[functionality]
|
[comments]
|
m.d.
|
yes
|
much
more functional and alert with less product
pros: enhances taste, smooth on lungs/throat, eliminated occasional ‘anxiety’
from cannabis use
cons: uses more product to achieve more intense high
|
e.w.
|
yes
|
concerns: inability to aid in
chronic pain
pros: enhances taste, smooth on lungs/throat
cons: prefers carcinogenic smoke for a more intense high
|
m.s.
|
yes
|
much more functional and alert with less product
pros: enhances taste, smooth on lungs/throat
cons: prefers carcinogenic smoke for a more intense high
|
m.s.d.
|
yes
|
concerns: inability to aid in
sleeping
‘trials’ show that this was not an issue
pros: enhances taste, smooth on lungs/throat, efficient/conserving,
effective
|
s.l.
|
yes
|
pros: enhances taste/clean, efficient/conserving, smooth on lungs
|
j.g.
|
yes
|
pros: pleasant taste, better body high,
|
*In
response to e.w., I ‘assume’ that an advanced vaporizer that produces a large
quantity of vapor at once would be a probable solution to a vaporizer that
produces less intense vapors.
*In
response to m.d. and m.s., I ‘assume’ that an advanced vaporizer that produces
large amounts of vapors at once would be a probable solution to a vaporizer
that produces less intense vapors; if this did not achieve a satisfactory high,
then I would attribute non-functional highs to carcinogens.
Memoirs
҉
After I noted
the functionality high associated with the vaporizer, I theorized that
perhaps the intensity of a high is partially the responsibility of the
carcinogens. From personal experience, smoking a cigarette will also induce
similar euphoric effects that are short lasting (and become shorter as smoking
prolongs). Benzene, toluene, and naphthalene all have several risk factors
associated with consumption, however for this purpose, it is only vital that I
mention the ones that appear linked to non-functional highs. All
three are typically ingested through air/smoke, but can also be consumed in
contaminated food or water and household fumigants, as well as contracted
through contact with skin. However, the body changes PAHs into other substances
known as metabolites that are urinated out of the body over the duration of a
few days (however, more than 75% of toluene only takes twelve hours to leave
the body).9
Low to moderate levels of: benzene can potentially
induce drowsiness, dizziness, and/or confusion. Derived of benzene,
benzodiazepines (BZO) act upon the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA); this promotes a sedative/hypnotic result. Benzodiazepines are
prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, seizures, and muscle
spasms; categorized as short, intermediate, or long acting, one works better
than another depending on the disorder. Short and intermediate acting
benzodiazepines are associated with insomnia while longer acting
benzodiazepines are associated with anxiety.10 Toluene is a
mono-substituted benzene derivative and can potentially induce tiredness,
weakness, drunken-type actions, memory loss, and confusion. Naphthalene can
potentially induce confusion, and interestingly enough, its structure consists
of a fused pair of benzene rings.
My advice merely suggests
this: if one is going to use marijuana on a consecutive basis, the wisest and
most logical decision when it comes to consuming it, would be either through a
vaporizer (or edibles). Vaporizers are cost efficient as more THC is ingested
while less marijuana is consumed; they are also more effective for the reason
that more THC is extracted. The lack of carcinogens also promotes a healthier
respiratory tract. Users can also obtain functional highs, removing
negative stigmas associated with marijuana use, again, such as “distorted
perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty with thinking and problem
solving, and disrupted learning and memory”.
From a personal
standpoint on inhaling marijuana, to avoid those effects are to either avoid
carcinogens altogether, inhaling mostly vapors, or simply smoking carcinogens,
yet limiting the intake (keeping in mind that the more that is consumed, the
more product it will take to achieve the same high, also burning over
half of the THC content). Responsibility comes with every natural substance
known to humanity, even something so simple yet so complex as water; all have
their benefits, all have their risks, it does not mean that it should be
criminalized.
Saturnus C. Daae
June 6, 2013
References
҉
1: (2013). IARC –
International Agency for Research on Cancer. Research Sections. Retrieved May
2013, from http://www.iarc.fr/en/research-groups/index.php.
2: (1999). IPCS
INCHEM. Evaluation. Retrieved May 2013, from http://www.inchem.org/documents/iarc/monoeval/eval.html.
3: (2005). WebMD
- Better information. Better health.. Pot Smoke: Less Carcinogenic Than
Tobacco?. Retrieved May 2013, from http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20051017/pot-smoke-less-carcinogenic-than-tobacco
4: (2005).
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Cannabis and tobacco smoke
are not equally carcinogenic. Retrieved May 2013, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1277837/
5: (2009).
Marijuana Strains, News, Products & More | Marijuana.com. On the
carcinogenicity of marijuana smoke. | Marijuana.com. Retrieved May 2013,
from http://www.marijuana.com/threads/on-the-carcinogenicity-of-marijuana-smoke.245844/
6: (2003). MAPS:
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Study Shows Vaporizer
Can Drastically Reduce Toxins in Marijuana Smoke. Retrieved May 2013, from http://www.maps.org/mmj/pr5.02.03.html
7: (2001). MAPS:
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. MAPS/NORML Study
Shows Vaporizers Reduce Toxins in Marijuana Smoke. Retrieved May 2013, from
http://www.maps.org/news-letters/v11n1/11120gie.html
8: (2012).
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Marijuana | National Institute on Drug
Abuse. Retrieved May 2013, from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
9: (1999).
Eco-USA. Eco-USA Search Page. Retrieved May 2013, from http://www.eco-usa.net/search/index.shtml
10: Dikeos DG, Theleritis CG, Soldatos CR (2008).
Benzodiazepines: effects on sleep. In Pandi-Perumal SR, Verster JC, Monti JM,
Lader M, Langer SZ (eds.). Sleep Disorders: Diagnosis and Therapeutics.
Informa Healthcare. pp. 220–2. ISBN 0-415-43818-7.
No comments:
Post a Comment