Intensive cannabis use can alter the human genome

Ricky Joseph

10-04-2023 Health
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Ricky Joseph

Cannabidiol is a substance extracted from the Cannabis sativa Some research has proven that the derivative of marijuana can alleviate the symptoms of various diseases such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, bringing more quality of life for many people. Still, there is much controversy on the subject. Currently in Brazil it is necessary to obtain authorization from the National Health Surveillance AgencySanitary (Anvisa) to make use of the substance.

Now a recent study points out that the intensive use of cannabis can alter the human genome. According to research published in the journal Translational Psychiatry , people who use tobacco and marijuana have more impact on DNA than those who do not smoke. According to researchers, this would be a response to the intensive use of cannabis .

Intensive use of cannabis harms the DNA?

The research pointed out that the intensive use of cannabis has less drastic effects than tobacco, thus not affecting DNA to the same extent, but in specific ways. In addition, the continued use of cannabis has been associated with mental health disorders.

As the lead author of the research, Dr. Amy Osborne of UC College of Science, in a statement, "This study shows how the consumption of cannabis is linked to changes in genetic pathways that may explain the link between consumption of cannabis heavy and these adverse health outcomes," he said.

READ ALSO: There is no evidence that marijuana can treat anxiety or depression

The intensive use of cannabis For example, it can increase the chances of a person being diagnosed with schizophrenia. Researchers at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand have analyzed how heavy use of this substance can cause chemical alterations in the body of its users, even altering the human genome.

Research indicates that cannabis acts on the brain and heart

During the research, blood samples were analyzed from 48 heavy marijuana users, with an average age of 28, enrolled in a longitudinal birth study that assessed the health and education in the lives of more than 1,200 children in that country.

Thus, it has been shown that the intensive use of cannabis can cause DNA changes in over 500 genes. In addition, it has been identified that tobacco has an even more devastating result on DNA, while the cannabis seems to act directly on genes involved in the brain and heart.

SEE ALSO: Astronomer Carl Sagan and his experience with cannabis

The researchers added that caution must be exercised regarding the new findings. "We believe that evaluating the potential effect of marijuana on DNA is timely.Currently, it is the most widely used illicit psychoactive substance in the world and this may increase with decriminalization or legalization," Osborne said.

However, the study's authors state that the findings are based on a small number of samples, so more research would be needed to fully understand the effects of marijuana consumption, especially in relation to the human genome.

This research was published in the journal Translational Psychiatry you can check it out in full here.

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Ricky Joseph is a seeker of knowledge. He firmly believes that through understanding the world around us, we can work to better ourselves and our society as a whole. As such, he has made it his life's mission to learn as much as he can about the world and its inhabitants. Joseph has worked in many different fields, all with the aim of furthering his knowledge. He has been a teacher, a soldier, and a businessman - but his true passion lies in research. He currently works as a research scientist for a major pharmaceutical company, where he is dedicated to finding new treatments for diseases that have long been considered incurable. Through diligence and hard work, Ricky Joseph has become one of the foremost experts on pharmacology and medicinal chemistry in the world. His name is known by scientists everywhere, and his work continues to improve the lives of millions.