According to the latest reports, it seems that cannabis can alter your DNA. Check out the following reports about this below.
Cannabis and DNA
It has been revealed the fact that the use of cannabis can lead to changes in DNA that can cause genetic mutations and subsequent serious diseases, according to a new study.
A recent study, which was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, examined data from approximately 9,500 participants from various groups such as parents and children, twins, and older adults.
The study analyzed DNA methylation, which is an indicator of potential health outcomes due to how genes are expressed.
The genetic analyses were evaluated based on different genetic groups and adjusted for age, gender, cigarette smoking, and blood type.
The researchers found that five genes with DNA methylation had sites associated with cannabis use, with significant roles in human health conditions. One of these genes (LINC01132) was linked to liver cancer and ovarian cancer.
However, a previous study showed that cannabis users had a lower incidence of liver cancer.
According to the reports, “Researchers also found that chemicals in cannabis, including the active ingredient THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), alter the user’s DNA, which can cause gene mutations that can increase the risks of diseases.”
It has also been revealed the fact that DNA methylation is a fundamental epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence.
Methylation patterns can reportedly be heritable and change over time in response to various environmental factors, including diet, lifestyle, and substance exposure.
Altered DNA methylation patterns have been recently linked with several diseases and conditions, including cancer, developmental disorders, and neurological conditions.
It has also been revealed the fact that there are some factors, such as aging, environmental exposures, and certain medications that can influence DNA methylation patterns, potentially impacting gene regulation and cellular functions.
