A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Columbia University in New York City has found that marijuana users have significantly higher levels of toxic metals in their blood and urine. The study revealed that cannabis smokers who do not use nicotine had 27% more lead in their blood and 21% more lead in their urine compared to non-users. Additionally, users were found to have 22% higher levels of the metal cadmium in their blood and 18% higher levels in their urine.
These toxic metals, known to be harmful to human health, have been linked to various conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, and even cancer. The study suggests that these metals find their way into cannabis plants through contaminated soil during the farming process. This contamination is a result of pollution and the use of pesticides, causing soil to accumulate higher levels of metals.
The researchers stress the importance of addressing this issue as the use of marijuana in the United States is soaring. According to estimates, there are approximately 42 million regular marijuana users in the country. This underscores the need for further research on cannabis use and contaminants, particularly metals, to address public health concerns.
The study, which utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2018, analyzed blood and urine samples from 7,254 participants who had used marijuana within the last 30 days. The results showed that marijuana users had significantly higher lead levels in their blood (1.27 ug/dl) compared to non-users (0.93 ug/dl), representing a 27% increase. Similarly, users had 21% higher lead levels in their urine compared to the control group. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirms that there is no safe level of lead in the body.
Lead poisoning is commonly associated with children, particularly those under the age of six, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, exposure to lead in adulthood has also been linked to various health issues, including high blood pressure, kidney damage, and infertility. A study published last year by researchers at Florida State University even revealed that lead poisoning, typically from gasoline, has resulted in an average IQ loss of 2.6 points for Americans.
The study also examined cadmium levels in marijuana users and found that they had 22% higher levels of cadmium in their blood and 18% higher levels in their urine compared to non-users. Cadmium is classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), indicating its potential to cause cancer. Furthermore, high levels of cadmium have been associated with lung issues, gastrointestinal problems, kidney disease, and fragile bones, according to the CDC.
It is worth noting that cannabis plants absorb these metals from the soil. Due to its deep and wide root system, cannabis is known as a hyperaccumulator, making it particularly effective in absorbing heavy metals. Consequently, the chances of being grown in high-metal soil are increased. The existence of metals in soil can be attributed to various factors, including the presence of metals in pesticides and their spread through construction and industrialization.
The findings of this study emerge at a time when marijuana use is on the rise throughout the United States. A 2019 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revealed that nearly 18% of Americans, amounting to over 42 million individuals, used marijuana that year. SAMHSA also estimates that one in ten marijuana users become addicted to the drug. Additionally, a Gallup survey conducted last year showed that almost half of Americans (48%) have tried marijuana, indicating an increase from 45% in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers have also associated marijuana use with IQ loss, as well as mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, according to SAMHSA. In light of these alarming findings, it is crucial to raise awareness about the potential health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated marijuana and promote further research on the topic.
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