CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Research suggests that using cannabis may alter a person’s epigenetic code.
The research suggested that marijuana use can impact the genetic code responsible for activating and deactivating various genes.
The study highlighted the importance of understanding marijuana’s effects on the body, as it remains one of the most widely used drugs globally. While some effects are well-known, the research indicated a broader impact than previously anticipated.
Most notably, one marker identified in the study is similar to those found in tobacco use, suggesting a closer link between the two substances than previously thought.
Researchers originally aimed to find out how cannabis use affects the epigenetic code, which in turn could reveal potential positive or negative health effects for humans who use the substance. They focused on genes related to aging, typically regulated by the body’s epigenetic code. Understanding these changes could provide insights into aging processes and the body’s “epigenetic age.”
“In our study, we observed associations between cumulative marijuana use and multiple epigenetic markers across time,” said Lifang Hou, who was the senior author of the study. “Interestingly, we consistently identified one marker that has previously been associated with tobacco use, suggesting a potential shared epigenetic regulation between tobacco and marijuana use. The observed marijuana markers were also associated with cell proliferation, infection and psychiatric disorders, however, additional studies are needed to replicate and verify these findings.”
The study involved data from participants who reported their cannabis use over several years. Researchers analyzed blood samples taken five years apart, comparing them based on factors such as continuous and recent cannabis use. The findings revealed several markers associated with both types of use.
Despite these insights, researchers emphasized the need for further studies to fully comprehend the connections and their extent within the epigenetic code.
“This research has provided novel insights into the association between marijuana use and epigenetic factors,” Dr. Drew Nannini said. “Additional studies are needed to determine whether these associations are consistently observed in different populations. Moreover, studies examining the effect of marijuana on age-related health outcomes may provide further insight into the long-term effect of marijuana on health.”
Nonetheless, the research offers new perspectives on the relationship between marijuana use and epigenetic factors.