Combustion by-products

So, I've read that there are several nasty by-products of the partial combustion of plant matter (marijuana included). These include benzene and toluene.

However, it doesn't seem right to me. If these products are what contribute to the 'lazy' feeling of the high, why is it that you don't feel a similar effect from tobacco? Why don't kids who try to smoke leaves or dried grass get high? Don't tell me these chemicals simply enhance whatever effect is present.

Furthermore, why don't you smell these substances? They have a very distinct, gas-like smell the last time I checked, so you'd think you'd be able to detect even a minute amount if inhaled. If you cannot detect these small portions by smell, then wouldn't they be much too minute to have an adverse effect?

They're also carcinogenic, so wouldn't a more established link between smoking marijuana and cancer be present?

Just a little curious and looking for some insight. Thanks. : )

:jointsmile: very good deductions

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Originally Posted by jsdinosaur

So, I've read that there are several nasty by-products of the partial combustion of plant matter (marijuana included). These include benzene and toluene.

However, it doesn't seem right to me. If these products are what contribute to the 'lazy' feeling of the high, why is it that you don't feel a similar effect from tobacco?

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Well... i only smoke (or rather vaporize) hash oil, which is the THC-containing resin of cannabis, and so when i smoke a joint the usual way (burning it) i do notice the differences in the effects... this byproducts of combustion surely makes the high "lazier"...

I think people dont notice it with tobacco because nicotine is a stimullant, so i think it compensates this effects.

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Originally Posted by jsdinosaur

Why don't kids who try to smoke leaves or dried grass get high? Don't tell me these chemicals simply enhance whatever effect is present.

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They may not get high, but surely they get something... even if its only that lightheadedness caused by oxygen deprivation...

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Originally Posted by jsdinosaur

Furthermore, why don't you smell these substances? They have a very distinct, gas-like smell the last time I checked, so you'd think you'd be able to detect even a minute amount if inhaled. If you cannot detect these small portions by smell, then wouldn't they be much too minute to have an adverse effect?

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The amounts of this substances generated by the combustion is small indeed... but i dont know if the smell would be noticeable, as the smoke itself has a way stronger smell that possibly covers everything elses smell... also, the smoke decreases ones smells sensitivity, so it would help to disguise this substances smell.
Yet i think that even in minute amounts this substances can be harmful in the long run.

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Originally Posted by jsdinosaur

They're also carcinogenic, so wouldn't a more established link between smoking marijuana and cancer be present?

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I think so... but i also think that smoking anything can cause cancer in the long run... so the fact youre smoking weed wouldnt make the chances of having cancer greater than if you were smoking cigarretes, or grass, or legal buds, or whatever... thats why i only vaporize hash oil. :jointsmile:

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Originally Posted by Coelho

Well... i only smoke (or rather vaporize) hash oil, which is the THC-containing resin of cannabis, and so when i smoke a joint the usual way (burning it) i do notice the differences in the effects... this byproducts of combustion surely makes the high "lazier"...

I think people dont notice it with tobacco because nicotine is a stimullant, so i think it compensates this effects.

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The high isn't necessarily different because of the product of smoke; the two processes are inherently separate. There could be any number of reasons the high is different, I don't see why we should land on this as a cause.

If the products of smoke themselves were strong enough to have a significant effect on a marijuana high, then I would infer they would be strong enough to cause a noticeable lull in cigarette smokers because of how comparatively subtle the effect of nicotine is.

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Originally Posted by Coelho

They may not get high, but surely they get something... even if its only that lightheadedness caused by oxygen deprivation...

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Having been in this situation and having no recollection of this sort of effect, I'd argue that in order to form an educated opinion we'd have to go and smoke some leaves; maybe I will depending upon the responses I get regarding this subject.

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Originally Posted by Coelho

The amounts of this substances generated by the combustion is small indeed... but i dont know if the smell would be noticeable, as the smoke itself has a way stronger smell that possibly covers everything elses smell... also, the smoke decreases ones smells sensitivity, so it would help to disguise this substances smell.
Yet i think that even in minute amounts this substances can be harmful in the long run.

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In my opinion, the smell of gasoline is much more overpowering than that of marijuana smoke. However, we have to take into consideration the proportions. I'd still wager the scent would be somewhat noticeable, especially whilst hot-boxing.

Of course minute amounts can be dangerous, but the body's filtration system is somewhat advanced; there IS a threshold.

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Originally Posted by Coelho

I think so... but i also think that smoking anything can cause cancer in the long run... so the fact youre smoking weed wouldnt make the chances of having cancer greater than if you were smoking cigarretes, or grass, or legal buds, or whatever... thats why i only vaporize hash oil. :jointsmile:

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I mean that there has been no significant link between smoking marijuana and cancer; that is, marijuana smokers have been shown to have no more increased risk of cancer than non-smokers.