Genetics May Increase Dangers of Marijuana Use for Some People: New Study

A new study indicates that genetics may make marijuana use more dangerous for some people than for others.

Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine analyzed genetic data from a little over a million people worldwide, identifying genes associated with marijuana addiction and other health complications.

The study’s authors noted that chronic marijuana use is tied to “various cancers associated with inhaling combustion products,” decreased cognitive ability, and increased risk for schizophrenia.

The study found genetics play a role in the likelihood a marijuana user will develop “cannabis use disorder” — meaning they will be unable to stop using marijuana even though it’s causing health and social problems in their lives.

The study also found possible genetic links between marijuana use and a person’s risk of developing other serious health problems, and revealed a correlation between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia.

More and more, science reveals that marijuana poses serious health risks.

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.

Another Study Underscores Marijuana a Danger for Adolescents

A new study further underscores that marijuana poses serious risks to teenagers.

The findings published in the journal Nature Communications examined the risk to brain development in adolescents who smoke or eat marijuana. Researchers observed that marijuana use during adolescence is associated with an increased risk for psychiatric disorders and cognitive problems. The study found marijuana use was linked to changes to the structure of microglia — specialized immune cells in the brain that may increase the risk for schizophrenia.

Marijuana use is also linked to serious heart and brain problems as well as health risks for unborn children.

Studies like these underscore that Arkansans were right to reject the proposed marijuana amendment last November. Marijuana is a multibillion dollar industry backed by very powerful entities. Despite that, voters in Arkansas chose not to legalize marijuana.

As 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.