Study finds cannabis users have elevated levels of toxic heavy metals in their bodies.

A ​New Study Reveals Higher Levels of​ Toxic ​Metals in Marijuana Users

A groundbreaking study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal on Aug. 30 has uncovered a startling discovery: marijuana users have significantly higher levels of lead and cadmium ‌in their⁢ blood and urine compared to non-users.

The study, which compared cannabis users exclusively to individuals who abstained from both marijuana and tobacco, found that the heavy metal ⁢levels ​in marijuana users were statistically higher. This finding‍ supports the hypothesis that marijuana, known for its ability to scavenge metals, is a ⁢source of cadmium ⁤and lead exposure.

“Our results therefore indicate marijuana is a source of cadmium and lead exposure,” said Katelyn McGraw, a postdoctoral⁣ researcher at Columbia Public ‌Health’s Department of Environmental Health ⁢Sciences.

Study Details ‍and Findings

The ⁣researchers analyzed data ⁢collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2005 ⁢and 2018.⁢ The study included 7,254 adult participants and measured the ⁢levels of five metals in​ their⁤ blood and 16 ‌metals in their urine.

The participants were divided into four​ groups: non-marijuana/non-tobacco users,⁣ exclusive marijuana ⁤users, exclusive​ tobacco users, and ​dual ‍marijuana/tobacco users.⁤ Among the ⁢exclusive marijuana users, the study found a ‍27%‌ increase ‍in lead levels and a 22% increase in cadmium levels compared to non-users.

“Both⁤ cadmium and lead stay in your‍ body for quite ‌a‍ long time,” explained Tiffany Sanchez, ‌lead ⁤author of the study. “When you’re looking at urinary cadmium, that’s a reflection ⁤of‍ total body burden, how much⁣ you have ⁣taken in over a long period of chronic exposure.”

The ‌Dangers of Cadmium‌ and ⁤Lead

Cadmium, a naturally‌ occurring element⁣ found in‍ various products, including batteries and plastics, can cause stomach issues and lung damage when⁢ consumed or inhaled at high levels. It is also considered a cancer-causing⁤ agent. Lead, although its‌ exposure⁢ has decreased, still poses serious health risks.‍ It can harm organs and tissues, impair reproductive​ health,‍ and cause brain damage and learning‍ difficulties.

Given the increasing number of cannabis users, ‌the study’s authors emphasize the need for further ‌research​ on ⁣cannabis use and contaminants, particularly metals, ⁢to address public health concerns.

The Rise of Cannabis Consumption

In recent years, marijuana consumption has surged across⁣ the United States. Approximately 48 million Americans, or ‍18%⁢ of the population, reported using marijuana ‍at least once in ‍the last year. With recreational use legalized in 21 states and medicinal use permitted in 38 ⁢states, cannabis has become the third most‌ commonly used drug in the world.

However,‍ despite its ‍widespread acceptance, marijuana​ remains illegal in some states and at the federal level. As the number of cannabis users continues to grow, it is⁤ crucial to prioritize research and ‍address potential health​ risks associated‍ with its use.