Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2012 was used to assess the effects of marijuana on thyroid function and autoimmunity in users.
Information from 5280 adults ages 18 to 69 years, who responded to questions related to marijuana use and had laboratory results related to thyroid parameters was analyzed.
Participants were categorized as nonusers (never used marijuana), past users (used prior to 30 days ago), and recent users (used within last 30 days). 54% reported lifetime marijuana use and 15% had used it recently.
The conclusion of this study was that recent marijuana use was not associated with thyroid dysfunction, but was significantly associated with lower levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). WebMD notes that lower levels of TSH are also found in those who use steroids, dopamine or opioids.
