The cannabinoid content of vaporized Cannabis sativa

In the November issue of Inhalation Toxicology results were published of a new study conducted by the Institute of Biology, of the Leiden University in Holland. During this study vapor from the commercially available Volcano vaporizing device was compared with smoke from a cannabis cigarette (joint). The cannabis smoke and vapor (obtained at different temperatures) were quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, different quantities of cannabis material were also tested with the vaporizer. The cannabinoids:by-products ratio in the vapor obtained at 200 degrees Celsius and 230 degrees Celsius was significantly higher than in the cigarette smoke. The worst ratio of cannabinoids:by-products was obtained from the vaporized cannabis sample at 170 degrees Celsius.