We know full well that smoking cannabis is not without risk: it can make us vulnerable, it changes the structure of the brain, it pollutes our lungs… The harmful effects of smoking are not a scoop. But a recent study, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, tells us that regular cannabis smokers would expose themselves to another risk: see their bodies age faster and no longer reflect their real age. Explanations.
Cannabis, like other elements of our environment, interacts with the expression of our genes. Basically, there is the age written on your identity card and your biological age, determined by researchers thanks to what is called the “epigenetic clock”, which comes to analyze the evolution of your DNA.
Biological clock discrepancy
What behaviors, habits, consumption cause our organisms to age prematurely? Scientists looked into the subject of cannabis with 154 people living in the United States. Their drinking habits were recorded between their 13th and 30th birthdays. Between those who didn’t smoke weed regularly and those who did, there was a clear difference in the biological clock. Smokers had older bodies than those corresponding to their age.
According to the researchers, the more recent the consumption, the more the epigenetic clock was affected. They think it’s the inhalation of hydrocarbons who would be responsible (…)
Overweight and obesity in children: 6 risk factors
What is the “hush” that makes hidden HIV live in the body?
COVID FIGURES. The results in France this Thursday March 3 live: announcements, figures
Molnupiravir: WHO gives green light to Merck’s anti-Covid pill
Anxiety: faced with the situation in Ukraine, do not stay in denial