A recent investigation involving over 1,000 adults indicates that cannabis consumption may lead to alterations within the human epigenome. The epigenome acts as a regulatory system, modulating the expression of genes and thereby influencing physiological functions.
“We identified correlations between the cumulative use of marijuana and various epigenetic markers over time,” noted Lifang Hou, an epidemiologist at Northwestern University, upon the publication of the research in 2023.
According to Hou and her colleagues, cannabis is a prevalent substance in the United States, with 49% of the population having experimented with it at least once, as documented in their published study.
While numerous states and countries have legalized cannabis, its comprehensive effects on health remain inadequately understood.
Researchers recruited approximately 1,000 adults who had previously participated in an extensive study spanning 20 years, during which their cannabis use was documented.
Blood samples were collected from participants at two intervals, specifically the 15-year and 20-year marks, with initial ages ranging from 18 to 30 at baseline.
Analyzing these samples, the research focused on changes in epigenetic markers, particularly DNA methylation levels, among individuals with varying histories of cannabis use.
DNA methylation, one of the most scrutinized epigenetic modifications, alters gene activity without changing the underlying genomic sequence, complicating the cellular access to genetic instructions.
Environmental and lifestyle influences can instigate these methylation shifts, which have the potential to be inherited by subsequent generations, with blood biomarkers revealing both recent and historical exposures.
“Our prior research indicated links between marijuana use and the aging process as reflected in DNA methylation patterns,” Hou explained.
“We sought to delve deeper into whether specific epigenetic factors were correlated with marijuana use and how these changes might be linked to health outcomes.”
This methodical analysis of participants’ cannabis use enabled researchers to evaluate cumulative patterns over time and juxtapose them with DNA methylation markers for thorough analysis.
In their findings, the researchers identified a plethora of DNA methylation markers in the 15-year blood samples: 22 linked to recent use and 31 to cumulative cannabis exposure. The 20-year samples revealed a staggering 132 markers associated with recent usage and 16 with cumulative use.
“Notably, we consistently observed a specific marker previously linked to tobacco use,” Hou commented, “indicating possible shared epigenetic mechanisms between the usage of tobacco and marijuana.”
Numerous epigenetic alterations associated with cannabis use have been previously connected to various phenomena, including cell proliferation, hormonal signaling, and a range of neurological and psychological disorders, such as substance use disorders.
However, it is imperative to underscore that this study does not establish a direct causative link between cannabis use and these health alterations.
“This research offers novel perspectives on the relationship between marijuana consumption and epigenetic alterations,” stated Drew Nannini, an epidemiologist from Northwestern University.
“Further investigations are essential to ascertain if these associations are consistently observable across diverse populations. Additionally, studies focused on the impact of marijuana on age-related health outcomes could yield deeper insights into its long-term health effects.”
The findings of this study have been published in Molecular Psychiatry.
An earlier version of this article was released in July 2023.
Vocabulary List:
- Epigenome /ˌɛpɪˈdʒɛnəʊm/ (noun): The complete set of epigenetic modifications on the genetic material of a cell.
- Cannabis /ˈkæn.ə.bɪs/ (noun): A plant whose products are used for medicinal recreational and industrial purposes.
- Methylation /ˌmɛθɪˈleɪʃən/ (noun): A biochemical process that involves the addition of a methyl group to DNA affecting gene expression.
- Correlations /ˌkɔːrəˈleɪʃənz/ (noun): A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.
- Proliferation /prəʊˌlɪf.ərˈeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
- Phenomena /fəˈnɒmɪnə/ (noun): Observable events or occurrences especially those that can be studied scientifically.
How much do you know?
What is the primary focus of the recent investigation involving over 1,000 adults?
How many DNA methylation markers were identified in the 15-year blood samples in the study?
What did researchers focus on analyzing in the collected blood samples?
What potential do methylation shifts have according to the investigation?
What percentage of the population in the United States has experimented with cannabis at least once?
Which age group did the initial participants in the study belong to?
The study conclusively establishes a direct causative link between cannabis use and health alterations.
DNA methylation alters gene activity without affecting the underlying genomic sequence.
The findings of the study suggest a shared epigenetic mechanism between tobacco and marijuana use.
The study participants had their blood samples collected at five-year intervals.
Epigenetic alterations associated with cannabis use have no connection to neurological and psychological disorders.
The study emphasizes the need for further investigation to understand the impact of marijuana on age-related health outcomes.
The cumulative use of marijuana was correlated with the identification of DNA methylation markers in the 15-year blood samples.
The researchers focused on changes in levels among individuals with varying histories of cannabis use.
According to the article, acts as a regulatory system, modulating the expression of genes.
Methylation shifts instigated by environmental and lifestyle influences have the potential to be inherited by generations.
The study participants were initially between the ages of at baseline.
The of the human epigenome influences physiological functions by modulating gene expression.