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The human toxicity of marijuana
1Department of Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|April 6, 1992
Summary
Marijuana smoke and its compounds, like delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cause significant health problems. Studies show effects ranging from reproductive harm and neurotoxicity to increased cancer risk and developmental issues in children.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cannabinoid Science
- Public Health
Background:
- In-vitro and in-vivo studies have documented the pathophysiological effects of marijuana smoke and cannabinoids.
- Cannabinoids are known to inhibit the biosynthesis of macromolecules.
- Marijuana smoke has demonstrated mutagenic properties in various assays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize the reported pathophysiological effects of marijuana smoke and its constituent cannabinoids.
- To highlight clinical manifestations of marijuana smoking-induced pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental studies (in-vitro and in-vivo).
- Analysis of reported clinical manifestations and epidemiological data.
Main Results:
- In animals, marijuana and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) induce neurobehavioral toxicity, reproductive dysfunction, and fetotoxicity.
- Marijuana smoking is linked to airway obstruction and squamous metaplasia.
- Clinical findings include adolescent memory impairment, psychomotor deficits, increased schizophrenia risk, various cancers, fetotoxicity, and childhood leukemia.
Conclusions:
- Marijuana smoke and its components exert diverse and serious pathophysiological effects.
- Clinical evidence increasingly supports the detrimental health impacts of marijuana smoking across multiple organ systems and life stages.
- Further research and public health awareness are warranted regarding the risks associated with marijuana consumption.
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