Cancer with Marijuana


A geospatiotemporal and causal inference epidemiological exploration of substance and cannabinoid exposure as drivers of rising US pediatric cancer rates
BMC Cancer, 2021, February 25

Data confirm a close relationship across space and lagged time between cannabis and TPCIR which was robust to adjustment, supported by inverse probability weighting procedures and accompanied by high e-Values making confounding unlikely and establishing the causal relationship. Cannabis-liberal jurisdictions were associated with higher rates of TPCIR and a faster rate of TPCIR increase. Data inform the broader general consideration of cannabinoid-induced genotoxicity…

How Marijuana Accelerates Growth of HPV-related Head and Neck Cancer Identified 2020, Clin Cancer Res, 2020 January 13

The ingredient that causes the high associated with cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been identified as the molecular mechanism that fast-tracks cancer growth in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, according to research led by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine…


Cannabis use and incidence of testicular cancer National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2018, February 14

“Heavy” cannabis use (defined as usage of more than 50 times in lifetime, as measured at conscription) was associated with the incidence of testicular cancer (n = 45 250; 119 testicular cancer cases; AHR 2.57, 95% CI, 1.02, 6.50).

The current study provides additional evidence to the limited prior literature suggesting cannabis use may contribute to the development of testicular cancer…

THC Accelerates Head and Neck Cancer Growth
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine 2020, January 15

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have identified the molecular mechanism activated by the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the bloodstream that accelerates cancer growth in patients with HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. 


Cannabis: Oral Health Effects
American Dental Association, 2021, September 16

  • Cannabis smoking is associated with periodontal complications, xerostomia, and leukoplakia as well as increased risk of mouth and neck cancers.
  • Historically, cannabis has been smoked as marijuana, but is increasingly available in other forms, including edible and topically applied products.
  • Cannabis use has increased in recent years, along with state legalization, although it remains federally banned.

Marijuana use and risk of lung cancer: a 40-year cohort study
Callaghan, R.C., Allebeck, P. & Sidorchuk, A, 2013, October

Our primary finding provides initial longitudinal evidence that cannabis use might elevate the risk of lung cancer. In light of the widespread use of marijuana, especially among adolescents and young adults, our study provides important data for informing the risk–benefit calculus of marijuana smoking in medical, public-health, and drug-policy settings