For the first time, more Americans are regularly using cannabis than drinking alcohol a shift reflecting changing attitudes and legalization trends. While many view cannabis as a safer alternative to alcohol and tobacco, the long-term health effects of cannabis remain poorly understood. Emerging research suggests that regular cannabis use may not be as harmless as commonly believed, particularly concerning the risk of developing certain cancers.
A recent study conducted by the American Head and Neck Society has found a potential link between excessive cannabis use and an increased risk of developing head and neck cancers. The study, led by epidemiologist Tyler Gallagher from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, analyzed 20 years of clinical records from over 116,000 individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder—a condition characterized by the inability to stop using cannabis despite physical or emotional consequences.
The findings revealed that individuals with cannabis use disorder had a 3.5 to 5 times greater risk of developing head and neck cancers compared to those without the disorder. These cancers include oral, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, salivary gland, and laryngeal cancers. By comparison, tobacco use increases the risk of these cancers by 2 to 10 times, while alcohol use increases the risk by up to 5.7 times.
Despite the compelling findings, the study’s authors urge caution in interpreting the results. The study did not fully control for other factors that could influence cancer risk, such as alcohol and tobacco use or human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Additionally, the study did not measure how much cannabis participants consumed, how often they used it, or the method of consumption (smoking, vaping, or ingesting).
“This is one of the first studies—and the largest to date—to associate head and neck cancer with cannabis use,” said Niels Kokot, a head and neck surgeon from the University of Southern California. “The detection of this risk factor is important because head and neck cancer may be preventable once people know which behaviors increase their risk.”
While previous studies on the link between cannabis use and head and neck cancer have produced mixed results, the current research highlights the need for further investigation. The study’s cohort was assumed to be heavy cannabis users based on their diagnosis of cannabis use disorder, but the lack of precise data on usage limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
The study’s publication comes at a time when cannabis research is poised to expand. Earlier this year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency announced plans to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I drug, which is highly restricted, to a less restricted Schedule III classification. This move is expected to remove barriers to cannabis research, allowing scientists to explore the drug’s health impacts more thoroughly.
As cannabis use continues to rise, understanding its potential health risks is crucial. While the recent findings suggest a link between heavy cannabis use and an increased risk of head and neck cancers, more research is needed to determine whether this association is causal and to uncover the underlying mechanisms. For now, users should be aware that cannabis, like alcohol and tobacco, may carry significant health risks.
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