The study, which analyzed data from over 7,200 adults, found that individuals who reported using marijuana within the past 30 days, hereafter referred to as “Frequent Marijuana Users,” exhibited concerning trends in metal exposure levels.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health sheds light on the potential health risks associated with frequent marijuana users
According to the research, frequent marijuana users showed a 27% increase in blood lead levels compared to individuals who abstained from both marijuana and tobacco use. Additionally, frequent marijuana users’ urine lead levels were 21% higher. Furthermore, this group exhibited 22% higher blood cadmium levels and 18% higher urine cadmium levels when contrasted with those who refrained from both substances.
The study leveraged data collected between 2008 and 2015 as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by the National Center for Health Statistics. Participants were categorized into five groups: non-marijuana/non-tobacco users, exclusive marijuana users, exclusive tobacco users, and dual marijuana and tobacco users.
Blood and urine samples were analyzed for five different metals
Katlyn McGraw, a study author and postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University, explained, “Because the cannabis plant is a known scavenger of metals, we had hypothesized that frequent marijuana users will have advanced essence biomarker situations compared to those who do not use.” She added, “Our results thus indicate marijuana is a source of cadmium and lead exposure.”
Lead exposure is deemed unsafe by the World Health Organization, even at low levels, as it can impair brain development in children and lead to health issues in grown-ups such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and order damage. Cadmium, classified as a carcinogen by the WHO, can cause kidney disease and weakened bones even at low, chronic exposure levels.
The findings of this study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, emphasize the importance of understanding the health implications for frequent marijuana users and its potential connection to elevated metal exposure levels.
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