As more of the world recognizes the benefits of, and legalizes the use of marijuana (cannabis), concerned individuals and policymakers wonder if using marijuana is associated with poor health outcomes.
In this study the authors compared 20 years of marijuana use with a variety of physical health indexes at early midlife. 1,037 individuals were evaluated at 18, 21, 26, 32 and 38 years of age.
Their laboratory measures of physical health included: periodontal health, lung function, systemic inflammation, and metabolic health, as well as self-reported physical health, at ages 26 and 38 years.
The authors concluded that cannabis use for up to 20 years is associated with periodontal disease but is not associated with other physical health problems in early midlife. In contrast, tobacco use was associated with problems and declining health on every measure.
Marijuana users, remember to take care of your teeth and oral health!
