// Science · Glossary

Thermal Decomposition of Pesticides

⚗️ Science First mentioned: Ep. 069

The chemical breakdown of pesticide molecules when exposed to high temperatures during smoking or dabbing, producing toxic byproducts that are more harmful than the original compounds. A major safety concern for cannabis concentrates.

Mark Scialdone explained that while many pesticides have low toxicity at room temperature, heating completely destroys the molecules and creates dangerous thermal decomposition products. Nitrogen-containing synthetic compounds are especially problematic as they decompose into noxious products. This was also discussed in episode 70 in context of synthetic cannabinoids.

Ep. 069 Hash Church LXIX 69