Heavy cannabis smokers partial to a cigarette, have been found by South Island researchers to be most at risk of changes to their DNA
Heavy cannabis smokers partial to a cigarette, have been found by South Island researchers to be most at risk of changes to their DNA
7 May 2020
Canterbury University's Dr Amy Osborne says heavy cannabis use can lead to alterations in gene pathways, and this is strongest in users who smoke tobacco.
She says the most affected genes were those involved in brain and heart function, and this might explain the link between heavy cannabis use and other health problems.
There's strong evidence that it can increase the risk of mental health issues such as depression and schizophrenia, and it's also linked to heart disease.
A referendum on whether the sale, use, possession and production of cannabis should be legalised in NZ is due to be held in September.
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