Researchers are hoping to reframe the discussion on marijuana use with new findings showing serious health risks linked to pot consumption. A study published on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from the University of Western Australia, found cannabis exposure was associated with higher rates of cancers, particularly breast, pancreatic, liver, thyroid and testicular cancers.
Researchers revealed testicular cancer risk is 2.6 times greater among marijuana users than people who weren’t exposed to the drug.
Other troubling discoveries in the research connected cannabis use to birth defects, including missing limbs, heart defects and other disorders. Researchers say this seems to indicate cannabis users are passing on DNA mutations to their children or fetuses still in the womb.
The researchers believe the health risks are due to the plant’s chemical makeup. Cannabis contains compounds like THC and CBD and both compounds have been shown to damage human cells, accelerating aging in people who use pot.
Previous studies have found a 30% acceleration in cellular aging in people as young as 30 years of age and clusters of major birth defects in areas with high cannabis operations.
The authors are calling for more research on the health problems linked to marijuana use, especially given the recent rise in the potency of marijuana products and as legalization become more widespread globally.
The researchers argue lawmakers and the general public can no longer ignore the health dangers of cannabis exposures and urge people to go beyond the discussion of “personal liberties,” and focus on protecting their health.
