New Study Reveals Surprising Genetic Impact of Marijuana Use
As marijuana becomes increasingly legal and widely used across the United States, scientists are working to better understand its long-term effects on human health. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has shed new light on the surprising ways in which marijuana can affect our genes.
Led by Dr. Lifang Hou, an expert in cancer research, the study analyzed blood samples from over 900 adults who had participated in a previous study on heart health. The samples were taken twice, five years apart, allowing researchers to track changes over time.
The participants were asked about their marijuana use, both recent and throughout their lifetime, and the researchers compared this information to changes they found in the participants’ DNA. They focused on DNA methylation, a process in which small chemical groups attach to our DNA, turning certain genes on or off and potentially affecting how our body functions.
The study found between 16 and 132 changes in DNA methylation linked to marijuana use, with many of these changes occurring in areas of the DNA related to cell growth, hormone signaling, the body’s response to infections, and mental health issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addiction.
While the study does not prove that marijuana causes these genetic changes or directly leads to health problems, it does suggest a strong link between marijuana use and changes in gene behavior. This new knowledge could guide future research, helping scientists better understand the long-term effects of marijuana on the body.
As marijuana becomes more widely used, it is crucial to continue studying its potential effects on human health. The more we know, the better people can make informed decisions about whether and how to use marijuana, and governments and health officials can create evidence-based policies.
The study’s findings offer a glimpse into the complex ways in which marijuana may influence our health at the genetic level, highlighting the importance of continued research to protect public health and guide individual choices.
