Marijuana Use Linked to Epigenetic Changes in DNA Methylation

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Research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry by investigators from Northwestern University has investigated the association between marijuana use and DNA methylation levels in middle-aged adults. The study found that recent and cumulative marijuana use was associated with changes in DNA methylation, which could have implications for related health conditions. The study, supported by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, NIH, and the American Heart Association, provides new insights into the role of marijuana on the epigenome.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 22 and 31 methylation markers were associated with recent and cumulative marijuana use, respectively, in middle-aged adults.
  • The researchers observed significant changes in DNA methylation levels at examination years 15 and 20, with 1023 participants selected for DNA methylation profiling.
  • The study used the Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip to analyze DNA methylation levels at both timepoints, and estimated cumulative marijuana use from years 0 to 15 and 20.
  • The researchers concluded that these findings provide novel insights into the role of marijuana on the epigenome and related health conditions.
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
  • The primary funding organizations for this research include the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, NIH, National Institute on Aging, American Heart Association, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, NIH, and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, NIH.
  • The researchers involved in this study include Drew R. R. Nannini, Yinan Zheng, Brian T. Joyce, Kyeezu Kim, Tao Gao, Jun Wang, Philip Greenland, Donald M. M. Lloyd-Jones, Lifang Hou, David R. R. Jacobs, Pamela J. J. Schreiner, and Kristine Yaffe.

Statistics:

  • 22 methylation markers were associated with recent marijuana use, while 31 markers were associated with cumulative marijuana use.
  • The study used 1023 participants selected for DNA methylation profiling at examination year 15.
  • The researchers analyzed DNA methylation levels using the Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip at both examination years 15 and 20.
  • The study estimated cumulative marijuana use from years 0 to 15 and 20.

Sources:

  • "Genome-wide Dna Methylation Association Study of Recent and Cumulative Marijuana Use In Middle Aged Adults", Molecular Psychiatry, 2023
  • Northwestern University, "New Marijuana/Cannabis Study Findings Have Been Reported by Researchers at Northwestern University" (NewsRx)