Heavy Cannabis Use Linked To Higher Head And Neck Cancer Risk, New Study Finds
A study published Thursday in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery suggests a link between daily, heavy cannabis use and an elevated risk of head and neck cancers. Led by Dr. Niels Kokot of Keck Medicine at the University of Southern California, the study analyzed data spanning two decades, involving over 4 million individuals across 64 U.S. health centers.
Cancer Risk And Cannabis Use Disorder
The research notes that individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder are between 3.5 and 5 times more likely to develop cancers of the mouth, throat and nasal cavity compared to non-users. These cancers are notably more prevalent in men and pose significant health risks, with survival rates drastically declining if the cancer metastasizes.
Experts believe the risks associated with cannabis might be due to the carcinogenic potential of cannabinoids and the smoke produced by combustion. “Cannabinoids themselves could be carcinogenic, and it could …