Researchers from Columbia University have found that marijuana users have significantly higher levels of metals like lead and cadmium in their blood and urine. The study, which analyzed data from over 7,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, confirms that marijuana use is an under-recognized source of metal exposure.
The study is one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind, measuring biomarker metal levels in marijuana users. It found that marijuana users had higher levels of lead in their blood (1.27 ug/dL) and urine (1.21 ug/g creatinine) compared to non-users.
The researchers hypothesized that cannabis could be a source of metal exposure due to its ability to scavenge metals from soil. The study’s findings call for more research on cannabis use and contaminants, especially as cannabis legalization continues to expand in the U.S.
Marijuana is the third most commonly used drug in the world, and its use is becoming more common in the U.S. with the legalization of recreational and medical marijuana in many states. However, there are currently no federal guidelines on cannabis contaminants, and regulation of contaminants in cannabis-containing products varies by state.
The researchers emphasize the need for further research on cannabis use and contaminants, particularly metals, to address public health concerns related to the growing number of cannabis users.
The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
What are the potential health risks associated with higher levels of metals in the blood and urine of marijuana users?
Marijuana Users Have Higher Levels of Metals in Their Blood and Urine, Study Finds
In a ground-breaking study conducted by researchers from Columbia University, it has been discovered that marijuana users have significantly higher levels of metals such as lead and cadmium in their blood and urine. This research, which analyzed data from over 7,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, sheds light on the under-recognized source of metal exposure – marijuana use.
Considered as one of the largest and most comprehensive studies of its kind, this research measured biomarker metal levels in marijuana users. The results showcased higher levels of lead in the blood (1.27 ug/dL) and urine (1.21 ug/g creatinine) of marijuana users compared to non-users.
The researchers hypothesized that cannabis may be a source of metal exposure due to its capacity to scavenge metals from the soil. The findings from this study call for additional research on the relationship between cannabis use and contaminants, especially as the legalization of marijuana continues to expand in the United States.
Marijuana is now the third most commonly used drug worldwide, and its usage is steadily increasing in the U.S. with the legalizations of both recreational and medical marijuana in many states. However, there are currently no federal guidelines on cannabis contaminants, and the regulations surrounding contaminants in cannabis-containing products vary from state to state.
The researchers stress the urgency for further research on the use of cannabis and contaminants, particularly metals, in order to address the public health concerns associated with the growing number of marijuana users.
This study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and was published in the esteemed journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
This is concerning and emphasizes the need for regulated testing and quality control in the marijuana industry.