The research disclosed in Environmental Health Perspectives on August 30, 2023, deduced that exclusive marijuana users manifest elevated lead and cadmium levels in their blood and urine compared to non-users. The study scrutinized data from over 7,000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants from 2005 to 2018. It revealed that the average blood lead level in exclusive marijuana users was 1.27 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL), a statistically significant increase from the 1.19 µg/dL found in non-users. Additionally, exclusive users exhibited an average blood cadmium level of 1.22 µg/L, higher than the 1.11 µg/L in non-users, a discrepancy that was also statistically significant. The researchers surmised that the escalated levels of lead and cadmium could be attributed to the propensity of cannabis plants to accumulate these metals from the soil. Additionally, smoking marijuana could expose users to these metals derived from the combustion process. The implications of these findings are significant, as lead and cadmium are potent toxic metals with severe health repercussions. Lead exposure potentially damages the brain and nervous system, particularly in children, while cadmium can harm the kidneys and lungs and is a recognized carcinogen. Further research is required to validate these findings and elucidate the health risks associated with marijuana use, particularly heavy metal exposure. Nonetheless, the study implies that exclusive marijuana users face a higher risk of lead and cadmium exposure and should thus be cognizant of the potential health hazards. To mitigate exposure to lead and cadmium, marijuana users are advised to opt for alternatives such as vaping or ingestion over smoking, particularly if concerned about heavy metal exposure. Choosing marijuana cultivated in uncontaminated soil and tested for heavy metals, thorough hand washing after handling marijuana, utilizing a water filter to eliminate lead and cadmium from drinking water, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also help protect against the adverse effects of heavy metals. The research published on August 30, 2023, in Environmental Health Perspectives underscores the potential increased risk of lead and cadmium exposure among marijuana users. While further research is needed to establish the health implications, marijuana users can mitigate their exposure to these heavy metals by adhering to the recommendations offered.

The researchers surmised that the escalated levels of lead and cadmium could be attributed to the propensity of cannabis plants to accumulate these metals from the soil. Additionally, smoking marijuana could expose users to these metals derived from the combustion process¹. The implications of these findings are significant, as lead and cadmium are potent toxic metals with severe health repercussions. Lead exposure potentially damages the brain and nervous system, particularly in children, while cadmium can harm the kidneys and lungs and is a recognized carcinogen¹. Further research is required to validate these findings and elucidate the health risks associated with marijuana use, particularly heavy metal exposure. Nonetheless, the study implies that exclusive marijuana users face a higher risk of lead and cadmium exposure and should thus be cognizant of the potential health hazards. To mitigate exposure to lead and cadmium, marijuana users are advised to opt for alternatives such as vaping or ingestion over smoking, particularly if concerned about heavy metal exposure. Choosing marijuana cultivated in uncontaminated soil and tested for heavy metals, thorough hand washing after handling marijuana, utilizing a water filter to eliminate lead and cadmium from drinking water are some other ways to reduce exposure¹.

Learn more:

1. cnn.com2. health.com3. coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu4. sciencedaily.com