A recent study involving more than 1,000 adults suggests that marijuana use may influence changes in the body’s epigenome, which acts like a series of switches turning genes on or off to regulate bodily functions.
According to Northwestern University epidemiologist Lifang Hou, the study discovered connections between long-term cannabis use and various epigenetic markers over time. While several U.S. states and countries have legalized its use, the full impact on health remains unclear.
According to Hou and her team of researchers from the U.S., about half of all Americans have at least one cannabis experience. Its full health impact is yet unknown, despite numerous U.S. states and other nations having approved its usage.
The research examined individuals who had taken part in a long-term study tracking their cannabis use for two decades. Participants, aged 18 to 30 at the start, provided blood samples twice—once at the 15-year mark and again at 20 years.
Scientists analyzed these samples to detect changes in DNA methylation, a key epigenetic process. DNA methylation involves adding or removing methyl groups from DNA, which alters gene activity without modifying the genetic sequence. These modifications can be triggered by lifestyle and environmental factors and might even be inherited by future generations. Blood biomarkers serve as indicators of both long-term and recent exposures.
Hou explained that previous research had already linked cannabis use to DNA methylation patterns associated with aging. The new study aimed to explore whether specific epigenetic changes related to cannabis use could influence health outcomes.
The researchers compared cumulative and recent marijuana use with DNA methylation indicators in participants’ blood. At the 15-year mark, they identified 22 markers tied to recent cannabis use and 31 linked to long-term use. Five years later, at the 20-year point, they found 132 markers associated with recent use and 16 related to long-term use.
One particular marker repeatedly appeared in the study, which had also been linked to tobacco use. Hou noted that this could suggest a common epigenetic response to both substances. Other marijuana-related epigenetic changes had been previously associated with processes like cell growth, hormone regulation, infections, and neurological conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
However, the study does not confirm that marijuana directly causes these epigenetic changes or leads to specific health problems. Drew Nannini, also a Northwestern University epidemiologist, stressed that more studies are needed to verify the findings across different populations.
There is a lot more that needs to be studied about marijuana, which is why the entire industry, including firms like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) have for long wanted to see reforms in marijuana policy made at the federal level so that it is easier to conduct studies on this plant and its products. The findings can help to address some of the concerns arising or dispel some misconceptions about this plant.
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