Monday, June 15,
2009
Using a highly sensitive new test, scientists in Europe are
reporting "convincing evidence" that marijuana smoke damages the
genetic material DNA in ways that could increase the risk of
cancer. Their study is scheduled for the June 15 issue of ACS'
Chemical Research in Toxicology, a monthly journal.
Rajinder Singh and colleagues note that toxic substances in tobacco
smoke can damage DNA and increase the risk of lung and other
cancers. However, there has been uncertainty over whether marijuana
smoke has the same effect. Scientists are especially concerned
about the toxicity of acetaldehyde, present in both tobacco and
marijuana. However, it has been difficult to measure DNA damage
from acetaldehyde with conventional tests.
The scientists describe development and use of a modified mass
spectrometry method that showed clear indications that marijuana
smoke damages DNA. "In conclusion, these results provide evidence
for the DNA damaging potential of cannabis [marijuana] smoke,
implying that the consumption of cannabis cigarettes may be
detrimental to human health with the possibility to initiate cancer
development," the article states. "The data obtained from this
study suggesting the DNA damaging potential of cannabis smoke
highlight the need for stringent regulation of the consumption of
cannabis cigarettes, thus limiting the development of adverse
health effects such as cancer."
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"Evaluation of the DNA Damaging Potential of Cannabis Cigarette
Smoke by the Determination of Acetaldehyde Derived
N2-Ethyl-2ยด-deoxyguanosine Adducts"
American Chemical Society
Thanks to American Chemical
Society for this article.