Cannabis Use Disorder Significantly Increases Oral Cancer Risk

Recent research conducted by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has revealed that individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUD) face more than triple the risk of developing oral cancer within a five-year period compared to those without CUD. This important study sheds light on the potential long-term health implications of problematic cannabis consumption.

The study emphasizes that while cannabis is often perceived as a safer alternative to substances like tobacco and alcohol, its long-term health effects, particularly regarding cancer risk, warrant closer examination. Cannabis smoke shares many carcinogenic compounds found in tobacco smoke, known to damage the epithelial tissues lining the mouth. These compounds can contribute to genetic mutations and immune suppression, potentially increasing cancer susceptibility.

Analyzing electronic health records of over 45,000 patients—including 949 with diagnosed CUD—researchers found that after accounting for variables such as age, sex, body mass index, and smoking habits, the likelihood of developing oral cancer was significantly higher among those with CUD. Specifically, the risk was 325% greater overall, and among tobacco smokers with CUD, it escalated to a staggering 624%. Interestingly, the elevated risk persisted even after adjusting for smoking status alone, indicating that other factors—such as the immune-suppressing effects of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis—may also play a role.

The findings suggest that cannabis’s carcinogenic potential should be a key consideration in public health messages and clinical screening practices. As cannabis use becomes more widespread and socially accepted, understanding its health risks becomes increasingly crucial. The study underscores the need for further research into cannabis’s influence on different tissues and its long-term health impacts.

This research, published in "Preventive Medicine Reports," highlights the importance of integrating oral health awareness into treatment strategies for substance use disorders. It also calls for caution in the increasing normalization of cannabis use, given the potential for serious health consequences.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-cannabis-disorder-triples-oral-cancer.html