SAM Friday Fact 09/13/2024: Studies Show the Health Risks of Daily Marijuana Use

Recently, several studies have been released that highlight the physical risks of daily or frequent marijuana use. A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery and featured on CNN showed that daily marijuana usage was linked to higher risks of certain cancers. Another study published in Atmospheric Environment: X and featured on Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation showed the health risks of secondhand marijuana smoke, meaning the risks are not isolated to the user.  

Daily marijuana use leads to: 

  • 3-5 times higher chance to develop head and neck cancers: 2.5 times for oral cancer in patients with Cannabis Use Disorder and 5 times for oropharyngeal cancer 
  • 8 times higher risk of laryngeal cancer 
     

Researchers have also found that the risk of heavy use is not isolated to the user:  

  • Marijuana smoke creates 3 times more ammonia and higher levels of toxic metals in the air than tobacco smoke 
  • Marijuana smoke creates 3.5 times more indoor air pollution than tobacco smoke 

The science proves marijuana is harmful to the health and well-being of people who use marijuana and those who are in close proximity.