Mon. Aug 11th, 2025
There are new findings that could make pot smokers think about putting down their joints.
It’s not just cigarettes. A new study from UC San Diego finds that frequent pot smokers are 3.25 times more likely to develop oral cancer within 5 years than people who don’t smoke weed.
Other research has shown cigarette users are 5 to 10 times more likely to get mouth cancer than non-smokers. A study co-author points out.
Smoke contains some of the same carcinogenic compounds as tobacco smoke that damage epithelial tissue lining the mouth.
Researchers found tobacco smokers with pot addictions are 624% more likely to contract oral cancer within 5 years compared to cigarette users alone.
Other known risk factors for oral cancer include chronic alcohol consumption and h-p-v infection.
Oral cancers encompass cancers of the lips, tongue, gums and the lining of the cheeks.