Chicago, IL — A groundbreaking study from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) research has revealed that marijuana use may alter DNA in ways linked to various health risks, including psychiatric disorders. The findings come as marijuana legalization expands across the U.S., raising new questions about the long-term biological effects of its use.
Researchers studied DNA methylation—a process that can influence gene activity—using blood samples from over 1,800 participants. The results show 201 DNA methylation markers connected to recent and cumulative marijuana use over time, including changes tied to cellular growth and brain disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
According to the researchers, marijuana’s effects on DNA appeared consistent across different demographics, including race, gender, and tobacco use status. These findings highlight the potential for marijuana to impact gene expression long-term, with implications for both physical and mental health.
As marijuana use rises, researchers emphasize the need for further studies to confirm these findings and explore the potential for DNA changes to serve as markers for predicting health outcomes.
