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Marijuana Smoke Found to Damage DNA, Increasing Risk of Cancer

A highly sensitive new test provides “significant evidence” that marijuana smoke damages DNA in ways that could increase the risk of cancer. Scientists in Europe note that although it’s well known that toxic substances in tobacco smoke can damage DNA and increase the risk of lung cancer, it has previously been uncertain whether marijuana smoke has the same effect.

Scientists have been specifically concerned about the toxicity of acetaldehyde, which is present in both tobacco and marijuana, but it has been difficult to measure damage to DNA with conventional tests. Rajinder Singh and colleagues used a modified mass spectrometry method that showed clear indications of marijuana smoke damaging DNA.

"In conclusion, these results provide evidence for the DNA damaging potential of cannabis smoke, implying that the consumption of cannabis cigarettes may be detrimental to human health with the possibility to initiate cancer development," the article states.

"The data obtained from this study suggesting the DNA damaging potential of cannabis smoke highlight the need for stringent regulation of the consumption of cannabis cigarettes, thus limiting the development of adverse health effects such as cancer."

Source: Science Daily, Marijuana Damages DNA And May Cause Cancer, New Test Reveals, June 15, 2009

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