Study finds high cancer risk in frequent cannabis users

WASHINGTON (TND) — New research has found frequent cannabis users have an increased risk of developing head or neck cancer. A study conducted by the USC Head and Neck Center found that individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUD) are 3.5 to 5 times more likely to develop head and neck cancers compared to non-users. This includes cancers of the mouth, throat, and nearby salivary glands.

Cannabis use disorder is a condition where a person frequently uses cannabis to the extent that it interferes with their daily life. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis are affected by CUD. However, the study's findings are based on data from individuals who openly reported frequent cannabis use to their healthcare providers, so the cancer risk for occasional users is still unclear.

Researchers believe that the elevated cancer risk among frequent cannabis users may be due to the damaging effects of unfiltered cannabis smoke. Cannabis is usually unfiltered and is inhaled more deeply, so some researchers believe it can be even worse than tobacco. This deeper inhalation, coupled with the higher temperature of cannabis smoke, can lead to greater inflammation and damage in the lungs.

While this study highlights the serious health risks associated with heavy cannabis use, it does change the potential benefits of cannabis, particularly when used in a medical context. Research from Harvard indicates that medical marijuana is most commonly used in the United States for pain control, especially chronic pain. It has also been used to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and PTSD, particularly among veterans.

The key difference between medical use and recreational use, which leads to CUD, lies in the amount and method of consumption. Medical cannabis is typically consumed in lower quantities and through methods that do not involve inhaling smoke, thereby reducing the associated risks.

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