Credit: Unsplash+ Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with many states legalizing its use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 48.2 million Americans, or about 18% of the population, reported using marijuana in 2019.
Despite its widespread use, there’s still much we don’t understand about how marijuana affects our health. A recent study by researchers at Northwestern Medicine sheds light on potential impacts marijuana may have on our DNA.
Marijuana comes from the Cannabis sativa plant and is often smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes called joints or water pipes known as bongs. It can also be brewed into tea or added to foods.
As marijuana gains popularity and legality, questions arise about its long-term effects on our bodies and overall health. The Northwestern Medicine study aimed to explore these questions by examining the relationship between marijuana use and changes in DNA.
Dr. Lifang Hou, a cancer researcher and the study’s lead investigator, and her team analyzed blood samples from over 900 adults. These participants had provided samples five years apart as part of an earlier heart health study.
The researchers asked participants about their marijuana use during this period, including both recent use and estimated lifetime exposure. They then examined the participants’ DNA for any notable changes.
The study uncovered a significant link between marijuana use and changes in a process called DNA methylation. DNA methylation involves small chemical groups attaching to DNA, which can turn specific genes on or off. The researchers identified between 16 and 132 genetic markers associated with marijuana use.
Many of these markers were found in regions of DNA related to cell growth, hormone regulation, and immune responses. Interestingly, some of the changes were also linked to mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
It’s important to note that this study doesn’t prove marijuana directly causes these DNA changes or that these changes lead to health problems. Instead, it highlights a possible connection that warrants further research.The findings suggest that marijuana use might influence genetic activity in ways that could impact health, but more studies are needed […]
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