look news india
There are many misconceptions about marijuana in society. Some people consider it harmless, while some consider it harmful. Now a new study has issued another warning regarding marijuana consumption. According to the study, the risk of head and neck cancer increases in those who consume marijuana regularly.
A study conducted in the US found that people who regularly consume marijuana are three to five times more likely to develop head and neck cancer than the general population. This study analyzed 20 years of data, which included more than 1 lakh 16 thousand American adults. Some of these people had problems with marijuana addiction.
Expert statement
The study's lead author, Dr. Niels Kokot, said this is the first large study of its kind to directly link head and neck cancer to marijuana use. He said it is important to know which behaviors increase the risk of head and neck cancer so people can avoid them. According to the study, marijuana use increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, salivary glands and oropharynx (which includes the tongue, tonsils and the back wall of the throat). However, the study did not specify how marijuana is consumed, such as by smoking or eating.
Cause of cancer
Experts say that marijuana smoke contains some elements which are also found in tobacco smoke and these can cause cancer. Apart from this, some elements present in marijuana can activate such enzymes which promote cancer. However, the study also has some limitations. For example, people have self-reported their consumption of marijuana, so its exact amount could not be known. Apart from this, the people included in the study have been compared on the basis of age and gender, but other factors like alcohol and tobacco consumption have not been taken into account.
More research needed
Experts say that more research is needed after this study. But, the results of this study are quite worrying and people need to be cautious about consuming marijuana. Laws are changing in many countries regarding marijuana and it is being legalized. But, after this study, people need to be careful about consuming marijuana and should be aware of its potential dangers.