The next time you see your dentist, be prepared for a possible conversation about your cannabis use. A growing body of research suggests that heavy marijuana use could significantly increase the risk of developing head and neck cancers, prompting dentists to pay closer attention. This connection is not just theoretical; it’s backed by recent studies showing clear links between cannabis consumption and these potentially deadly cancers.
A Surprising Connection
Dr. John Brooks, a dentist and clinical professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, co-authored an article in a prominent dental journal outlining this emerging link. He cites a 2024 study published in JAMA Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery that examined medical records of nearly 120,000 adults diagnosed with cannabis use disorder. This disorder is characterized by the inability to stop marijuana use despite negative consequences on health and personal relationships, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study revealed a stark reality: individuals with cannabis use disorder faced two to eight times higher risk of developing cancers affecting the larynx (voice box), oropharynx (back of the throat), oral cavity, and salivary glands compared to those without the disorder.
Smoking vs. Edibles: More Research Needed
While this study didn’t differentiate between consumption methods like smoking, vaping, or ingesting edibles, Dr. Brooks points out that smoking remains the most prevalent way people use marijuana. This is significant because both tobacco and cannabis smoke contain known carcinogens – substances that damage DNA and can lead to tumor growth.
Smoking cannabis often involves deeper inhalation and lacks filtration, potentially leading to a higher concentration of these harmful compounds in the lungs and surrounding tissues. Dr. Richard Lee, a medical oncologist at City of Hope in Duarte, California, not involved with the study, explains, “Anytime you expose those bodily tissues to smoke from burning materials – whether it’s cannabis or cigarettes – you’re exposing them to carcinogens.”
However, more research is crucial to understand if edibles carry the same risk. Dr. Lee emphasizes that further studies are needed to determine precisely how different cannabis consumption methods relate to cancer risk.
Beyond Recreational Use: Medical Marijuana and Dosage
The impact of medical marijuana on head and neck cancer risk also requires further investigation.
Similarly, researchers need to pinpoint specific cannabis doses associated with increased cancer risk. These questions become particularly important as more states legalize recreational and medical marijuana use nationwide.
A Growing Public Health Concern
This potential link between marijuana use and head and neck cancers is gaining significant attention within the medical community. It highlights the importance of open conversations between patients and healthcare providers about all aspects of cannabis use, including its potential risks. Dr. Alan Ho, chief of head and neck oncology service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, while acknowledging that more research is needed to solidify these connections, stresses the need for “clear and informed advice” for patients based on robust evidence.
While cannabis offers therapeutic benefits for some individuals, this emerging research underscores the importance of responsible use and awareness of potential health consequences, especially regarding head and neck cancers.
