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Joaquim Cardoso MSc.
Chief Research and Strategy Officer (CRSO),
Chief Editor ,
& Senior Advisor
September 14, 2023
What is the message?
A recent study has found significantly elevated levels of toxic heavy metals, specifically lead and cadmium, in the blood and urine of marijuana users compared to non-users.
These heavy metals, known to have serious health implications, have been detected at levels that raise concerns about potential health risks associated with marijuana consumption.
The study underscores the need for further research, awareness, and potential regulatory measures to ensure the safety of marijuana products and protect the health of users.
One page summary:
A recent study led by Tiffany Sanchez, an assistant professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, has shed light on a concerning health issue associated with marijuana use.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, reveals that individuals who use marijuana have significantly higher levels of lead and cadmium in their blood and urine compared to non-users. Lead and cadmium are toxic heavy metals that pose serious health risks, with no safe level of lead recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
According to the study, marijuana users exhibited a striking 27% increase in lead levels in their blood and a 21% increase in lead levels in their urine compared to non-users.
Additionally, cadmium levels in the blood of marijuana users were 22% higher than in non-users, with urine levels being 18% higher.
The persistence of lead and cadmium in the body over an extended period is a cause for concern. Cadmium is absorbed into the renal system and excreted through the kidneys, reflecting chronic exposure levels. Chronic exposure to cadmium has been associated with kidney disease, lung cancer, and fetal abnormalities.
While this study doesn’t establish a direct causal link between marijuana use and heavy metal exposure, it underscores the need for further research into the sources of heavy metal contamination in marijuana products. The distinction between medical and recreational marijuana users and their respective heavy metal exposure levels also warrants future investigation.
The study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2005 and 2018, examining blood and urine samples from 7,254 individuals who reported marijuana use within the past 30 days.
Notably, this research differs from previous studies that primarily measured heavy metal levels in the cannabis plant rather than in marijuana users themselves.
Heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, have been linked to cancer, chronic diseases, and neurotoxic effects, underscoring the importance of understanding their presence in marijuana products.
It’s worth noting that heavy metal exposure isn’t unique to marijuana; tobacco smokers, for instance, are exposed to various toxins as well.
While this quality has environmental benefits, it poses risks for marijuana users, especially since few states have comprehensive regulations in place for legal recreational or medical cannabis.
The lack of clear guidance on protecting marijuana users from contaminants remains a challenge. Educating users and healthcare professionals about potential health risks associated with marijuana use is essential, as is the need for further research into the safety of marijuana products and potential regulatory measures.
This study highlights the complexity of ensuring the safety of marijuana in a landscape where legalization varies from state to state and federal regulations are lacking. Ultimately, vigilance and awareness regarding environmental contaminants in cannabis products are crucial for both users and policymakers.
DEEP DIVE
This summary was written based on the article “Marijuana users have more heavy metals in their bodies”, published by Reuters and written by Sandee LaMotte, on August 31, 2023.
To read the full article, access https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/30/health/marijuana-heavy-metals-wellness/index.html
