Marijuana Carcinogens

Im no expert but with a little research this is what I have found. These are the most commonly found carcinogens in Marijuana according to the Canadian office of environmental health and hazard.

Acetaldehyde: Is an Organic chemical compound that naturally occurs in bread, coffee, and ripe fruit. It is formed as a natural part of the marijuana plants metabolism

Benz[a]anthracene: Is a Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. There are studies that clearly link Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to cancer in rats. There are no studies on humans and no studies in regards to inhalation of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. PAH's are commonly found in food. Most prominently in cereals and oils/fats.

Benzo[a]pyrene: Is also a PAH. It has been found in high concentrations in burnt toast, fried chicken, cooked meats, and anything that is charbroiled.

Benzo[k]fluoranthene: Is also a PAH.

Chrysene: Is also a PAH it is emitted by wood that has been preserved. It is formed in small amounts when any plant matter is burnt or distilled.

Dibenz[a,h]anthracene: Is also a PAH.

Dibenzo[a,e]pyrene: Is also a PAH.


All of these carcinogens are already commonly found in our society as well as in foods we commonly consume. Some of these carcinogens such as Chrysene can be avoided by using a vaporizer. Also the study Hashibe M, Morgenstern H, Cui Y, et al. Marijuana use and the risk of lung and upper aerodigestive tract cancers: Results of a population-based case-control study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 15(10):1829–1834, 2006. "found no positive associations between marijuana use and lung, upper respiratory, or upper digestive tract cancers."