Can cannabis impact aging? Study shows marijuana could alter ‘genetic code’ Merca2.0
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Cannabis use has been the subject of numerous studies due to its potential effects on different areas of health. Now, new research has focused on a connection that had received less attention until recently: the changes this substance may cause in the body’s epigenetic code and its possible link to aging processes. The findings raise new questions about how frequent marijuana use may influence the way certain genes function and what long-term consequences it could have.
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Can cannabis impact aging?
A study conducted by researchers at Northwestern Medicine and published in Molecular Psychiatry analyzed how cannabis use may be associated with changes in a person’s epigenetic code. This system works as a mechanism that regulates the activation and deactivation of certain genes without altering the structure of DNA.
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The research focused on genes related to aging, as epigenetic changes can provide information about the so-called “epigenetic age,” an indicator used to study how the body ages at a biological level.
To conduct the analysis, researchers used information from participants who reported their cannabis use over several years. They also examined blood samples collected five years apart to compare possible changes associated with both continuous and recent cannabis use.
The results identified several epigenetic markers linked to cannabis use. One of them showed similarities with patterns previously observed in people who smoke tobacco, leading scientists to suspect a possible connection between the effects of both substances. However, researchers noted that more studies are still needed to fully understand the extent of these changes and their impact on the body.
How harmful is cannabis?
The potential negative effects of cannabis depend on factors such as frequency of use, the amount consumed, the age at which use begins, and each person’s individual characteristics.
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Among the negative effects associated with cannabis use are:
- • Memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
- • Changes in learning ability.
- • Alterations in coordination and reaction times.
- • Possible effects on mental health, especially in people with risk factors.
- • Changes in sleep quality in some users.
- • Respiratory problems when consumed through smoke inhalation.
- • Changes in mood and emotional regulation.
- • Difficulties performing activities that require attention and precision.
- • Possible negative effects on brain development when use begins during adolescence.
What is worse, cannabis or cigarettes?
Comparing cannabis and cigarettes involves analyzing different types of risks, as both substances have different components and methods of consumption. Tobacco contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance, as well as thousands of chemical compounds associated with serious diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular problems, and lung damage.
Cannabis, on the other hand, can also lead to dependence and affect functions such as memory, attention, and coordination. When smoked, it can also expose the body to substances produced through combustion, similar to those found in other types of smoke.
The main difference between the two substances lies in the risks associated with their components and consumption patterns. While tobacco has a widely documented connection to serious diseases and a high potential for addiction, cannabis presents other risks related to mental health, cognitive function, and possible biological changes that are still being studied.
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