German Stoners Get the Lead In

Physicians in Leipzig, Germany, identified lead intoxication in 29 regular smokers of marijuana, according to correspondence in the latest issue of the NEJM. Elemental lead was discovered by means of atomic absorptiometry or plain-old eyeball (left) in partially used weed samples from 3 of the affected users. It is believed by authorities that the lead was deliberately cut into the marijuana to increase its weight and therefore the profits from a street product that is sold by the gram. The lead is thought to be easily absorbed through the respiratory tract, once the tainted marijuana is smoked.

Photo: Close-up of partially used dime (euro) bag of marijuana with visible, grayish lead particles from the NEJM.