Sunday, February 16, 2025

New Study Shows Cannabis Use Alters Epigenetics

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A recent study involving over 1,000 adults suggests that the use of cannabis may induce alterations in the human body’s epigenome. The epigenome acts as a series of switches, controlling the activation or deactivation of genes to modify bodily functions.

Epidemiologist Lifang Hou from Northwestern University explained that they observed connections between cumulative marijuana use and various epigenetic markers over time. This study, published in 2023, shed light on the impact of cannabis on the epigenetic landscape.

According to Hou and a team of US researchers, cannabis is widely used in the United States, with around 49% of individuals having experimented with it. Despite the legalization of cannabis in some regions, its full health implications remain incompletely understood.

The researchers examined approximately 1,000 adults who had previously reported their cannabis consumption over a span of 20 years. Blood samples were provided at the 15- and 20-year marks, allowing for the analysis of DNA methylation levels, a key mechanism in epigenetic regulation.

The addition or removal of methyl groups from DNA, known as DNA methylation, is a crucial epigenetic modification that alters gene activity without changing the genetic sequence. These changes can be triggered by various environmental and lifestyle factors, potentially impacting future generations.

The study’s findings revealed a multitude of DNA methylation markers associated with cannabis use, highlighting potential links to health outcomes. Despite these correlations, it’s essential to note that this study does not definitively prove causation between cannabis use and epigenetic changes or health issues.

Epidemiologist Drew Nannini emphasized the need for further research to validate these associations across diverse populations and investigate the long-term effects of cannabis on health. This insightful study was published in Molecular Psychiatry, offering a detailed exploration of the intricate relationship between cannabis use and epigenetic factors.

This article, initially released in July 2023, provides valuable insights into the evolving understanding of marijuana’s influence on the epigenome.


Vocabulary List:

  1. Epigenome /ˌɛpɪˈdʒɛn.oʊm/ (noun): The complete set of chemical changes to DNA and histone proteins that regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
  2. Methylation /ˌmɛθɪˈleɪʃən/ (noun): The addition of a methyl group to a DNA molecule which can change the activity of a DNA segment without changing its sequence.
  3. Cumulative /ˈkjuːmjʊlətɪv/ (adjective): Increasing or increased in quantity degree or force by successive additions.
  4. Alterations /ˌɔːltəˈreɪʃənz/ (noun): The act of modifying or changing something.
  5. Epidemiologist /ˌɛpɪˌdiːmiˈɒlədʒɪst/ (noun): A specialist in epidemiology which is the study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.
  6. Correlations /ˌkɔːrəˈleɪʃənz/ (noun): Mutual relationships or connections between two or more things.

How much do you know?


What is the role of the epigenome in the human body?
Controls gene activation and deactivation
Regulates body temperature
Aids in digestion
Transmits nerve signals


How many adults were involved in the recent study on cannabis and the epigenome?
500
750
1,000
1,500


What percentage of individuals in the United States have experimented with cannabis according to the study?
25%
35%
49%
60%


What mechanism in epigenetic regulation was analyzed using blood samples in the study?
Protein synthesis
RNA splicing
DNA replication
DNA methylation


What does DNA methylation alter without changing?
The genetic sequence
The number of chromosomes
The cell membrane structure
The cell nucleus size


Who emphasized the need for further research on the associations between cannabis use and health outcomes?
Lifang Hou
Drew Nannini
Unknown US researchers
Molecular Psychiatry


The study definitively proves causation between cannabis use and epigenetic changes.


DNA methylation is a key mechanism in epigenetic regulation.


Cannabis is not widely used in the United States.


The study on cannabis and epigenetic markers was published in 2021.


DNA methylation alters gene activity by changing the genetic sequence.


Further research is not needed to validate associations between cannabis use and health outcomes.


DNA methylation is a process where methyl groups are added or removed from DNA, impacting gene activity without altering the genetic sequence. These changes can be influenced by various and factors.


The researchers examined approximately 1,000 adults over a span of years to assess the impact of cannabis use on the epigenome.


Epidemiologist Lifang Hou and a team of US researchers observed connections between cumulative marijuana use and various markers over time.


Despite the legalization of cannabis in some regions, its full health implications remain incompletely .


Epidemiologist Drew Nannini emphasized the need for further research to validate associations across diverse populations and investigate the long-term effects of cannabis on .


This study does not definitively prove between cannabis use and epigenetic changes or health issues.

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