Using cannabis could alter a person’s DNA structure, and a mechanism has been identified by scientists from The University of Western Australia. The alterations may cause mutations, which can expose people to serious illnesses, and be passed on to their children and several future generations.
Although a possible association between cannabis use and severe illnesses such as cancer has previously been documented, how this occurs and the implications for future generations was not previously understood.
Associate Professor Stuart Reece and Professor Gary Hulse from UWA’s School of Psychiatry and Clinical Sciences completed an analysis of literary and research material to understand the likely causes and uncovered alarming information.
“Through our research we found that cancers and illnesses were likely caused by cell mutations resulting from cannabis properties having a chemical interaction with a person’s DNA,” Associate Professor Reece said. “With cannabis use increasing globally in recent years, this has a concerning impact for the population.
Although a person may appear to be healthy and lead a normal life, the unseen damage to their DNA could also be passed on to their children and cause illnesses for several generations to come.
“Even if a mother has never used cannabis in her life, the mutations passed on by a father’s sperm can cause serious and fatal illnesses in their children,” he said. “The parents may not realise that they are carrying these mutations, which can lie dormant and may only affect generations down the track, which is the most alarming aspect."
Slow Cell Growth
Associate Professor Reece said that when the chemicals in cannabis changed a person’s DNA structure it could lead to slow cell growth and have serious implications for the fetal development of babies that may cause limbs or vital organs not to develop properly or cause cancers.
“The worst cancers are reported in the first few years of life in children exposed in utero to cannabis effects,” he said.
Reece added that the finding was of major importance with cannabis use increasing in many nations around the world, and many countries legalising its use.
“Some people may say that previous data collected doesn’t show there are serious effects from using cannabis, but many authorities acknowledge that there is now a much larger consumption of cannabis use compared to previous years,” he said.
The study carries implications for researchers, medical health professionals and governments in regulating drug use and protecting those who are most vulnerable.
Albert Stuart Reece et al.
Chromothripsis and epigenomics complete causality criteria for cannabis- and addiction-connected carcinogenicity, congenital toxicity and heritable genotoxicity
Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis (2016). DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2016.05.002
Last Updated on November 1, 2022