Recent study reveals marijuana users have elevated levels of harmful metals like cadmium and lead in their blood and urine. The findings raise questions about the long-term health impacts and the need for stronger regulation on contaminants in cannabis products.
By Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D.Sep 3 2023Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. A recent Environmental Health Perspectives study compares the levels of metal biomarkers in the blood and urine of marijuana users with non-users.
According to 2019 estimates, about 48 million people in the U.S. used marijuana at least once within the last year. This reflects the popularity of the product and its widespread use. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2009 and 2016 reported the presence of Cd in urine and blood samples of prolonged marijuana users. Thus, there remains an urgent need to assess the presence of other metals in addition to Cd from recently collected biospecimens.
Individuals 18 years and older were included in this study. A total of 7,254 participants were considered in this study, as they fulfilled all eligibility criteria. In comparison to non-marijuana or non-tobacco users, this nationally represented cohort exhibited higher concentrations of Cd and Pb in blood and urine among exclusive marijuana users. More specifically, higher Cd and Pb levels were observed in exclusive marijuana users who used marijuana within the last seven days of biospecimens collection.
These findings are consistent with previous studies reporting a higher concentration of Cd in marijuana users. Importantly, Cd levels are positively correlated with increased frequency and duration of marijuana use. The current study highlights that blood Cd is a robust but short-term biomarker of Cd exposure, whereas urinary Cd is a long-term indicator of past cigarette smoking.
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