The Hidden Danger of Cannabis Use: Head and Neck Cancer Risk

Recent research suggested that marijuana, derived from cannabis plants, may increase the risk of head and neck cancer more than threefold. This study used data from more than four million patients to examine cannabis’s potential carcinogenic effects.

Known in English as “cannabis,” the plant called “kenevir” in Turkish is also known in Turkish as “esrar.” Marijuana is a product derived from the cannabis plant, generally used recreationally. Its leaves, flowers, and resin are used to produce marijuana. “Cannabis-related disorders” generally describes psychosocial problems and functional impairment arising from excessive cannabis use.

Cannabis Use Is Increasing

As cannabis use has increased in recent years, its effects on cancer risk have attracted growing attention. On 8 August 2024, JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery published this study, which showed that cannabis-related disorders significantly increased head and neck cancer risk and highlighted the need for further research.

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The researchers analyzed data from 64 US healthcare organizations, covering more than 90 million men and women, obtained from TriNetX, a global health research network.

The analysis included 116 thousand people diagnosed with cannabis-related disorders and 3.9 million without these disorders. Cannabis-related disorders include excessive cannabis use together with psychosocial symptoms such as social and/or occupational impairment.

Patients were matched for factors such as demographic characteristics, alcohol-related disorders, and tobacco use. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of head and neck cancer, including oral, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, and salivary gland cancers.

Results

• Patients with cannabis-related disorders had approximately 3.5 times the risk of developing head and neck cancer compared with those without these disorders (relative risk [RR], 3.49; 95% confidence interval, 2.78-4.39).

• Increased risks were found for specific cancers, particularly oral cancer (relative risk [RR], 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.81-3.47) and oropharyngeal cancer (relative risk [RR], 4.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.99-8.02).

• The highest risk in patients with cannabis-related disorders was for laryngeal cancer (relative risk [RR], 8.39; 95% confidence interval, 4.72-14.90).

Commentary

This study suggests that cannabis-related disorders may be associated with head and neck cancers. It highlights the need for more research to better understand cannabis’s potential carcinogenic effects. As use rapidly spreads, associated health problems and future cases of these cancers are expected to increase.

At a time of increasing cannabis use, these findings emphasize vigilance regarding head and neck cancer risk and the need for more comprehensive research.