Article Title: New Study Shows Marijuana Users Have Elevated Levels of Cadmium and Lead in their Blood and Urine
Date: September 2, 2023 | 4:32pm
Author: Matthew Sedacca
A new study conducted by researchers from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has found that marijuana users have higher levels of cadmium and lead in their blood and urine compared to those who abstain from marijuana use. The findings of this study are concerning and shed light on the potential health risks associated with marijuana consumption.
The study analyzed data from over 7,200 adults, including 358 individuals who reported using marijuana within the past 30 days. The researchers discovered that these marijuana users had blood lead levels that were 27% higher compared to individuals who refrained from both marijuana and tobacco. Additionally, urine lead levels were 21% higher among marijuana users, along with 22% higher blood cadmium levels and 18% higher urine cadmium levels.
The data used in the study was collected between 2008 and 2015 as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The research team categorized participants into various groups, including non-marijuana/non-tobacco users, exclusive marijuana users, exclusive tobacco users, and dual marijuana and tobacco users. The levels of five different metals in blood and 16 in urine were measured.
The results of the study align with the researchers’ initial hypothesis that marijuana might act as a scavenger of metals, leading to higher metal biomarker levels in individuals who use marijuana. Lead exposure, even in low levels, can have detrimental effects on brain development in children and can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, and kidney damage in adults. Cadmium exposure, classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization, can cause kidney disease and fragile bones.
Tiffany Sanchez, an author of the study and an assistant professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University, emphasized the long-term effects of cadmium and lead exposure. These metals can remain in the body for years, posing continued health risks even after exposure ends.
The study’s findings were published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. It underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the potential health hazards associated with marijuana use. Further research is needed to explore ways to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of individuals who consume marijuana.