A recent study involving over 1,000 adults reveals that cannabis use may lead to significant changes in the human epigenome, influencing how genetic information is expressed. Conducted by researchers from Northwestern University, the study highlights the potential long-term effects of cannabis on gene regulation, affecting various bodily functions without altering the DNA sequence itself.
The investigation, published in Molecular Psychiatry in 2023, focused on data collected from a long-term health study that monitored participants over two decades. Beginning at ages 18 to 30, individuals provided detailed surveys regarding their cannabis use and offered blood samples at intervals of 15 and 20 years. According to Lifang Hou, an epidemiologist at Northwestern University, the research team observed associations between cumulative cannabis use and multiple epigenetic markers over time.
The researchers specifically examined DNA methylation levels, a key component of epigenetic modification. DNA methylation involves the addition or removal of methyl groups from DNA, which can regulate gene expression without changing the underlying genetic code. This mechanism can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, and these changes can potentially be inherited by future generations.
As Drew Nannini, another epidemiologist involved in the study, noted, “This research has provided novel insights into the association between marijuana use and epigenetic factors.” The study aimed to better understand whether specific epigenetic changes linked to cannabis use correlate with various health outcomes.
Through their analysis, the team identified a total of 132 DNA methylation markers associated with recent cannabis use in the 20-year blood samples, along with 31 markers linked to cumulative use. In the earlier samples, they found 22 markers associated with recent use. Notably, one particular marker has been previously connected to tobacco use, indicating a potential overlap in the epigenetic regulation mechanisms of tobacco and cannabis.
The implications of these findings are significant, as previous research has linked multiple epigenetic changes with health issues such as cellular proliferation, hormone signaling, and neurological disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, the study does not establish a direct causal relationship between cannabis use and adverse health effects.
While this research sheds light on the potential epigenetic impact of cannabis, further studies are essential to ascertain whether these associations hold true across different populations and to explore the long-term effects of cannabis on age-related health outcomes. The comprehensive nature of the data, which includes extensive information about participants’ cannabis use, enables a detailed examination of its relationship with epigenetic changes.
As cannabis use becomes increasingly common in the United States, with nearly half of Americans having tried it at least once, understanding its effects on health remains crucial. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding cannabis legalization and public health, emphasizing the need for continued research in this evolving field.
