Study: Consuming Cannabis by Smoking It Makes You Age Faster

New research has shown a definitive link between smoking cannabis and increased epigenetic age in 154 American participants. The study followed participant age progression over 17 years. Blood samples were taken at the age of 13 and 30, which were then examined to determine their epigenetic age. Epigenetic age is based on an algorithm that measures 71 DNA methylation markers from a blood sample.

American researchers have found a link between the consumption of smoked cannabis and a rapid advancement of epigenetic age, which is calculated based on an algorithm that measures 71 DNA methylation markers from a blood sample.

Their study, published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, shows that smoking cannabis (in joints, blunts, etc.) leads to an “acceleration” of the age of the human body. This epigenetic age may be different from the real age.

It’s Not Cannabis That Makes You Age, It’s Smoking

Their study nevertheless underlines an important point: it is not cannabis in itself that makes you age, but rather the fact of smoking it. Indeed, they observed in cannabis smokers observed an alteration of the AHRR gene. It is also disrupted by cigarette smoking and air pollution. What to question the way smoked.

“Evidence suggests that this aging may be due to hydrocarbon inhalation among cannabis smokers. Further research is needed to understand this link,” concludes the study conducted by Joseph P. Allen.

Better to Prefer Cannabis by Ingestion or Vaporization

To arrive at the conclusion that smoking cannabis leads to a higher epigenetic age, the researchers followed 154 Americans for 17 years, from their 13th to 30th year. Throughout this time, they annually filled out a form detailing their cannabis use. Then, on their 30th birthday, they provided two blood samples to the scientists. They were examined to determine their epigenetic age.

It was therefore those who consumed the most cannabis who had the most advanced “body age”. The effects were even stronger when the plant was most recently consumed.

Age and Smoke: Study Confirms What We Suspected

This study, therefore, highlights a knowledge that we already had: the consumption of cannabis by smoking is bad. And even if cannabis is not a great asset for health, it is better to give up the joint to limit the risks. For this, favor other modes of consumption such as vaporization, or ingestion in sweet or savory recipes.

__

(Featured image by Tnarg via Pexels)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third-party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Hemp.im, its management, staff, or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in Newsweed, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Hemp.im assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Hemp.im is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.