A team of Health Canada scientists has shown that smoke from marijuana contains higher levels of toxins than does tobacco smoke. 

The scientists found that ammonia levels were 20 times higher in the marijuana smoke than in the tobacco smoke, while hydrogen cyanide, nitric oxide and certain aromatic amines occurred at levels 3-5 times higher in the marijuana smoke, they say. The finding is "important information for public health and communication of the risk related to exposure to such materials," say the researchers.

Dr Richard Russell of the Windsor Chest Clinic adds:

"The health impact of cannabis is often over-looked amid the legal debate.

"Evidence shows it is multiplied when it is cannabis compared to tobacco.

"Tobacco from manufacturers has been enhanced and cleaned whereas cannabis is relatively unprocessed and therefore is a much dirtier product.

"These findings do not surprise me. The toxins from cannabis smoke cause lung inflammation, lung damage and cancer."

Previous studies have demonstrated that, compared to tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke results in more harm to lungs because it is inhaled more deeply and held in the lungs longer.  A study earlier this year found that smoking a single joint can cause as much lung damage as five chain-smoked cigarettes.

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