Diversity of Modes of Exposure to Marijuana in a Sample of US Adult Co-Users of Marijuana and Tobacco

摘要

Aim Vaporizing has become a popular alternative to smoking for recreational and medicinal consumption of cannabis. Currently available vaporizing devices range from large tabletop units connected to electric outlets, to small battery operated handheld vape-pens. Some vaporizers need to be loaded by the user with herbal cannabis, while others rely on preloaded cartridges filled with so-called e-liquids containing cannabis extracts. Besides the psychoactive cannabis compound THC, increasingly the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD is also consumed in this form. Although it is claimed that vaporizing is healthier than smoking, virtually none of the currently available vaporizers, or the cartridges that are used with them, have been tested for any form of safety or efficacy. This presentation will present an overview of scientific data currently available about vaporizing cannabis and cannabinoids. Methods This presentation provides an overview of analytical data on the safety, reproducibility and efficacy of vaporizing cannabis for medicinal purpose. This data was obtained by the author during his scientific work over the last 15 years on medicinal cannabis as part of the Dutch Medicinal Cannabis Program. Vaporizers covered include the Volcano Digit and Medic by Storz&Bickel, the MiniVap vaporizer by Hermes Medical Engineering, and various others. Special attention will be given to the chemical composition of the vapor released by vaporizers, and the risks of environmental exposure to secondhand vapor. Parameters studied include type and dose of cannabis used, airflow, temperature setting, and type of heating source. Results Based on the lessons learned on vaporizing cannabis and cannabinoids, an optimized strategy is presented for the application of vaporizing for medical use. By a systematic evaluation of tested parameters, evaporation of active cannabis components is maximized, while avoiding the creation of harmful degradation products. Based on the obtained results, a prototype of an optimized vaporizer is currently entering clinical trials, and is being approved as a medical device. These data are important for use of vaporizers in public spaces, as well as for the set-up of clinical trials, where occupational exposure to cannabis compounds is often considered a serious risk by medical staff. Conclusions Vaporizing has the potential to replace smoking of cannabis, specifically for medical use. Lessons learned in this arena can be applied to consumption of recreational cannabis use, in order to reduce health risks for cannabis users, and limit secondhand exposure to THC and other harmful compounds.