Can Marijuana Prevent Cancer?
In our Healthy Kids blog last week, an adolescent specialist cited research finding that marijuana use can increase cancer risk - a connection many commenters questioned loudly. Here are the facts.
Can Marijuana Prevent Cancer?
Does Marijuana Cause Cancer - or Prevent It?
Last week’s Healthy Kids post about a new study that regular marijuana use by teens dumbs down their IQs later in life raised a ruckus. Our expert panelist, adolescent specialist Rima Himelstein, MD, cited research finding that marijuana use can increase cancer risk - a connection many commenters questioned loudly.
One commenter pointed out that some studies show compounds in marijuana may have anti-cancer properties. Another contended there’s no scientific proof that marijuana raises risk. Where’s the truth? Here’s what the research says:
1. Marijuana use is associated with higher risk for testicular cancer. In a 2011 study published in the journal Cancer, researchers from the National Cancer Institute found that men with testicular cancer were 2.2 times more likely to be regular marijuana smokers (daily or more often) then men without this rare cancer. A 2009 study from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle found the same thing. Researchers aren’t sure exactly why, but note that “The exact mechanism of how heavy marijuana use might increase the risk of TGCT (testicular germ cell tumors) is unknown, however chronic marijuana exposure has multiple adverse effects on the endocrine and reproductive systems such as gynecomastia, impotence, reduced sperm counts, and suppressed testosterone.”
2. Marijuana more than doubles lung cancer risk. French researchers concluded in a 2008 study that marijuana users were 2.4 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-users. And cancer investigators in New Zealand found that the heaviest marijuana users in their 2008 study had a five-fold higher risk for lung cancer compared to non-users. In general, they found that smoking one joint daily for a year raised risk slightly more than a pack-a-day smoking habit did.
3. Yes, some marijuana compounds seem to protect against cancer -- but others ding DNA and dampen immunity. Cannabinoids extracted from marijuana pushed brain-cancer cells to die faster in one 2009 Spanish study. And a 2009 Brown University study found lower odds for squamous-cell cancers of the head and neck among marijuana smokers.
But that’s not a great reason to light up. In 2007, Canadian researchers found levels of ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, nitric oxide and other nasty chemicals in marijuana that were three to 20 times higher than in tobacco. The researchers note that while tobacco’s toxins -- including 50 that are cancer-causing -- have been studied extensively, those in marijuana haven’t. There’s plenty we don’t yet know.
But more is being revealed. In 2009, another team of Canadian scientists watched what happened when they added condensed marijuana or tobacco smoke to animal cells in test tubes. Marijuana damaged DNA more than tobacco did. And in 2010, University of South Carolina scientists found that cannabis suppresses immunity - which could leave users’ bodies under-equipped to fight cancer.
I was skeptical to see such conclusively bad revelations for marijuana smokers in one location.
When one actually follows the links provided, you will see some qualifiers that make this bullet-point list dubious.
"Marijuana more than doubles lung cancer risk" >>
CONCLUSION:
"Our results suggest that cannabis smoking may be a risk factor for lung cancer. However, residual confounding by tobacco smoking or other potential confounders may explain part of the increased risk."
There are concerns about inhaling any smoke, which is universally carcinogenic. And the IQ effect is perhaps the most recent disturbing study. But studies that compare these things never take into account the actual smoke consumed, i.e. the habitual user that takes "a few hits a day" as opposed to "several joints".— phillyPeteZ- the propaganda machine is doing their best to stem the tide, but they can't stop flowing water— box297
- "French researchers concluded in a 2008 study that marijuana users were 2.4 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-users."
According to the study found at the link, they used a sample of people who were avid tobacco users that either only used tobacco versus tobacco and cannabis. I think that this invalidates the argument entirely as it is very misleading. A study like this will make sense when they have a set of cannabis only versus never smoked anything sample groups.
Also, I love the great so-called science exemplified by the conclusions:
"Our results suggest that cannabis smoking may be a risk factor for lung cancer."
There's that magical, flimsy word again: "may". Making any self-fulfilling conclusion to be put forth.
"However, residual confounding by tobacco smoking or other potential confounders may explain part of the increased risk."
Practically admitting that their study could be completely wrong to begin with.— CWright43 - There are many proven studies the conclude excellent results in correcting all types of disorders and medical problems. Grow big - grow organic with www.kelp4less.com— kelp4less
- It's important to remember that this is still a drug with a whole bunch of negative side effects associated with it.
http://www.testcountry.com/infographics/side-effects-of-using-marijuana.html— LenaButler - But what if the MJ is not smoked? What happens then? There are lots of ways to consume the devils weed beside smoking, including orally (lollipops, alcohol based tinctures), ingestion (pot brownie), and inhalation of THC vapor (vaporizer) without smoke/burning of organic material!
Just saying thats all.— 420-24-7
