Cannabis-Related Disorders May Increase Head and Neck Cancer Risk, New Study Suggests

Daily cannabis use over several years may increase the risk of head and neck cancers up to five times, according to new research that analyzed over 4 million medical records. The findings come amid ongoing difficulties in studying cannabis effects, including self-reporting inaccuracies and limited funding for comprehensive research. Cannabis use disorder is defined as experiencing over a period of a year at least two symptoms such as using cannabis in larger quantities or for a longer duration than originally intended, cravings for cannabis use, and recurrent use resulting in neglect of social obligations. The study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, shows that people with cannabis-related disorders have a higher risk of oral, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers compared to those without such disorders....