More Evidence Marijuana Doesn't Cause Cancer
By Bruce MirkenA 1999 study showed a modestly increased risk of certain types of head and neck cancer among marijuana smokers. Due to methodological limitations, the researchers warned that their “results need to be interpreted with some caution in drawing causal inferences.” But warnings about this alleged risk have shown up from time to time in materials put out by prohibitionist types, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
A new study, just published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention, suggests this may have been a false alarm.
Researchers pooled data from five studies, totaling over 9,000 participants (nearly 30 times the number in the 1999 study) and found that the risk of head and neck cancer “was not elevated” among those who had ever smoked marijuana compared to those who hadn’t. Notably, “there was no increasing risk associated with increasing frequency, duration, or cumulative consumption of marijuana …”
The researchers note that, due to the small number of long-term, very heavy marijuana users in the studies, they can’t rule out increased risk from such very heavy use. But it is striking that the overall cancer risk among marijuana smokers was slightly lower than nonsmokers, though not enough to be statistically significant. That was also the case in a major lung cancer study a few years ago. In the new study, there were some subcategories in which the lowered risk among marijuana smokers came close to statistical significance.
But don’t expect mere data to put an end to hysterical claims that marijuana is more carcinogenic than tobacco.
More Evidence Marijuana Doesn't Cause Cancer
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cannabis is a beneficial herb
cannabis should be legal for recreational as well as medical uses. It is not a drug and is less dangerous than asprin. the cops are the only danger to the herb. they are fighting legalization so they can fill their pockets with the money earned by attacking law abiding consumers of cannabis. the jails are full of non violent tokers. legalize this herb and tax it. the environment and the economy will thank you.
- Jackattack
May 13, 2009 6:34PM
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Regardless
With all the input from studies,polls,and recommendations from world leaders and the heavy flow of letters and emails to elected officials,it amazes me that someone,other than the cartel,would want to back burner this issue. But that is what is happening and
our elected officials just shrug,or laugh or ignore their constituents
messages. I know that they are in the middle of trying too pull us
out of a depression situation,but the jobs and money that would result in legalization,would at least stand as reason to investigate.
And the 1.4 billion we are going to give Mexico to kill and imprison
it's citizens,wouldn't be necessary if America's pot smokers grew their own,because removing the market cuts 70% of the cartels cash flow,and ask Chrysler and GM what happens when you lose 70% of your cash flow. That should be some kind of incentive to
at least debate legalization.
Our prisons runneth over,and some are in danger of closure for
failure to meet federal standards,so we can't afford to build more
and arrest more people to decrease demand.
And after 40 years of that policy,we have more people smoking pot than ever,and it has become a 14 billion dollar a year industry
without any benefit that we know of,to our government.
And our government has announced a change of policy on medical
marijuana ,which is very confusing,because it's still listed as a drug with no medical benefits,even though the government has 2
patents on medical marijuana ,and has had them for years.
It's also causing confusion with our allies in the War on Drugs.
They might help the DEA destroy their countries pot crops,but if
there is a market for medical marijuana,why shouldn't their farmers make money off of it. Now they are refusing to allow the DEA to destroy their medical marijuana plantations.
And even though the Justice Department has announced a policy change,until the House and Congress pass a new law covering medical marijuana and the President signs it, the law agencies around the country are charged with enforcing the law as it is written on the books. So it is a very confusing issue that needs
immediate attention,not laughed off or ignored.
I
- Clay
May 13, 2009 8:43PM
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