A recent study shows heavy marijuana may be linked to lung cancers.
Across the U.S., many states have legalized marijuana either for “medical” or “recreational” use, but a growing body of scientific research reveals marijuana is actually much more dangerous that many people realize.
A study by researchers from Keck Medicine of USC in Southern California shows heavy marijuana use may increase a person’s risk of developing different lung cancers.
The study’s findings underscore what the American Lung Association has said for years: Marijuana smoke clearly damages the lung, and it contains many of the same toxins and carcinogens found in tobacco.
In 2024, researchers from Keck Medicine also found daily marijuana use is linked to a higher risk of deadly head and neck cancers.
Besides cancer, marijuana has also been tied to a number of deadly heart problems — including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Experts now say marijuana use raises a person’s risk of stroke by 20%, and it doubles a person’s risk of death from heart disease.
Research also links marijuana to a 400% increased risk for developing diabetes.
In Arkansas, marijuana industry insiders worked unsuccessfully to expand marijuana via the state’s ballot initiative process in 2022 and 2024. Fortunately, neither of those bad measures passed.
All of this underscores what we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
