# ECDS vs Pre-Roll: Comparative Toxicity of Emissions

> A screening-level hazard characterization white paper comparing emissions from Electronic Cannabis Delivery Systems (ECDS) versus combustion of un-infused cannabis pre-rolls.

## Summary

This white paper compares emissions from two ECDS formats (a pod labeled at 83% THC and a cartridge labeled at 86% THC) against combustion smoke from an un-infused cannabis pre-roll (labeled at 23% THC). The pre-roll Hazard Index is approximately 166, driven almost entirely (>99%) by acrolein. Both ECDS formats have Hazard Indices below 1 (Pod: 0.47, Cart: 0.82).

## Key Findings

- Pre-roll combustion Hazard Index: 166 (exceeds EPA screening threshold by ~166-fold)
- Pod ECDS Hazard Index: 0.47 (below threshold)
- Cart ECDS Hazard Index: 0.82 (below threshold)
- Acrolein drives >99% of the pre-roll hazard
- Both ECDS arms show ~28% Δ9-THC → Δ8-THC isomerization in emissions
- Nickel in Cart arm (21.17 ng/puff) is device-materials sourced, not combustion-derived

## Research Partners

- MayThe5th (https://maythe5th.co) - Research design and management
- NN Analytics (https://www.nnanalytics.com/) - Independent testing lab and methods
- California NORML (https://www.canorml.org/) - Research design and funding

## Links

- White Paper Download: https://41ehu3.share-na2.hsforms.com/2xpJGLPTuTyCwLYyMUE5qdA
- Research Brief Download: https://41ehu3.share-na2.hsforms.com/2z8IwHxr6QHeN8_4UUnn9Nw
- Lab Report Download: https://41ehu3.share-na2.hsforms.com/2qH1J2PhqTZS7UvocDFNWwg
- Cannabis Puffing Regimes: https://maythe5th.co/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Labstat-Blinc-Group_Vape-Topography_White-Paper_V1_R5.pdf