Could cannabis damage DNA that is then passed down generations?

Conclusion This review presents a useful summary of evidence backing the idea that cannabis can disrupt cell division, causing genetic damage, potentially leading to the development of cancer and foetal abnormalities. The review was transparent in exploring the evidence behind one theory. And while this is a valuable body of research, a systematic review would have been more reliable, providing a more balanced view of the evidence. Because of the uncertainty about how the included studies were chosen, there is a possibility that not all the relevant research was considered. The strength of the included evidence was also not discussed. So we don't know whether it was generally strong or weak, or how it stacks up against counter-evidence. Results are only as good as the studies included, and this can vary depending on study design and assessment. This type of study serves to stimulate debate and further research. It is not systematic or reliable enough to form the foundation of policy change on its own. Read more about the potential harms of cannabis use. Links To The Headlines Smoking cannabis ALTERS your DNA 'causing mutations that can trigger serious illness, including cancer'. Mail Online, May 24 2016 Links To Science Reece AS, Hulse GK. Chromothripsis and epigenomics complete causality criteria for cannabis- and addiction-connected carcinogenicity, congenital toxicity and heritable genotoxicity. Mutation Research: Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis. Pub...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Genetics/stem cells Lifestyle/exercise Pregnancy/child Source Type: news