Cannabis consumers have significantly higher levels of lead in their blood compared to non-users, according to a recent study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, analyzed blood samples from habitual cannabis users and found that they had an average lead concentration of 1.27 ug/dL, higher than those who did not use the drug. The researchers hypothesized that cannabis plants absorb metals from the soil, making it a source of cadmium and lead exposure. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018, which classified 7,254 participants based on their consumption behavior.
NHANES is a research program conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that tracks the health and nutrition status of adults and children in the United States. The study found that regular cannabis use is an underestimated source of heavy metal exposure, and there are currently no uniform regulations on contamination in cannabis-containing products. Despite being the third most commonly used drug in the US after tobacco and alcohol, and with recreational use already legalized in 21 states and Washington D.C., there is a need for further studies to examine the contaminants in the drug.
Tiffany R., one of the researchers, suggests that future studies should focus on the health concerns related to the increasing number of cannabis users. The UN has previously warned about the risks of cannabis use, including an increased risk of vascular disease. With this new study, it is clear that cannabis use also poses a risk of heavy metal exposure. As the legalization of cannabis continues to spread, it is important to address the potential health risks associated with its use and ensure that regulations are in place to protect consumers.
