Cannabis Use Linked to Epigenetic Changes, Study Finds

Using cannabis may cause changes in the human body's epigenome, a study of over 1,000 adults suggests. The epigenome functions like a set of switches, activating or deactivating genes to change how our bodies function.

"We observed associations between cumulative marijuana use and multiple epigenetic markers across time," explained epidemiologist Lifang Hou from Northwestern University when the research was published in 2023.

“Or take regular ‘tolerance breaks’ which most stoners I know, myself included, do from time to time.”

Those who are chronic, habitual users rarely find the motivation to take a break. Usually, it happens as the result of simply not being able to afford to maintain the usage level that is effective at keeping the user high. And those who depend on it that much talk about it exactly like addicts. I know it is not physically addictive like other drugs such as alcohol, but it does create an extreme dependency.

“I’ve checked out for a bit with cannabis until I could be at a point where I could deal with the loss without the excruciating pain and constant wondering if I’m going to make it through this loss.”

It is a way of self-medicating. Most people think of drugs as the problem that addicts have. Actually, it is the solution to their problems. Just not the best solution. When we self-medicate with drugs, sex, food, or similar things it is to relieve the stress and pain we are trying to treat. And we cannot self-regulate and end up abusing these things.

The person I was talking with just tried ketamine therapy administered at a high dose by an anesthesiologist. It had a near-miraculous result. This person suffers from a very difficult-to-diagnose and treat disorder called borderline personality. In his case, it is the result of severe and prolonged childhood traumas including sexual abuse, violence, and death of both parents. He developed a severe eating disorder that lasted for years and could not experience grief which usually came out as suicidal ideation or rage. During and after ketamine therapy he was able to to cry. His appetite returned instantly.

He’s currently still relying on marijuana to cope with symptoms and I’m encouraging him to overcome his dependency. Some people can do things like alcohol in moderation, and some cannot. A person needs to be aware of their limitations.

“Alcohol is addictive.”

Very. I use alcohol in moderation. For me, this means I’ve had years in a row where I never even thought about having a drink. But occasionally I might have a couple. The only time it was a danger for me was when I intentionally got drunk in my mid-twenties (once), and then during COVID I started drinking more frequently and realized I was trying to cope with loneliness from my situation. I got mildly high but not baked by taking a smoke of weed once in my life. For me, it was like being buzzed from alcohol. I know others who’ve had differing experiences.

The reason I added the “spiritually” descriptor in my earlier comment is because, as a Christian, I do not consider habitual or heavy use of substances leading to intoxication to be obedient to God. I think the Bible makes this clear. However, the Bible allows the use of alcohol in moderation, and to the best of my understanding Jesus Himself drank alcoholic beverages (wine) in moderation.

I’ll add this additional clarification. Some people have severe mental and emotional issues that modern medicine has difficulty treating. Marijuana and other drugs may help some people cope. It’s a better option than some other choices such as suicide. But drugs and alcohol can become a slow form of suicide. (Fast if they cause a car crash.) If used to cope with pain they can potentially help a person survive long enough to find effective treatment, but the risk is they replace all possible solutions and the root problems go unresolved.

Science may be able to treat emotional and mental health issues to the point of overcoming the lasting harm of trauma. But science cannot answer deep spiritual questions. For example, science cannot answer why the NAZI’s behavior was evil. That is a moral, religious, and philosophical question that science does not address. When someone uses weed to numb the pain and feel better, not only is he or she unable to be present to heal emotional trauma and have healthy relationships, but it may numb out other spiritual signals that are necessary to heal issues that science cannot deal with.

Pure Cannabidiol (CBD), not stupid gummies or anything with any % Tetrahyrdocannabinol (THC) which is psychotropic and habituating.

CBD in pure form (generally taken under the tongue in a highly purified distilled form (in olive oil as a carrier liquid)— is effective in pain relief without any habituation or addiction seen with opioids (meaning all of them, APAP, hydrocodone, codeine, synthetic codeine etc.)

The “answer” is more sophisticated than just “cannabis”. The answer is CBD (and not the play stuff, the 100% CBD, isolated from genetically modified hemp (the cannabis called hemp is not marijuana incidentally) with zero (0%) THC in the distillate. No buzz, and pain management which is not debilitating, as there is no THC. The chemistry is brilliant as is the research done. CDB used in pharmacology of anti-seizure agents used in inoperative epileptics (UK pharma group pioneered this). Anti- seizure medications also function with varying efficacy in managing and eliminating paid (without opioids- a huge advance).

That, FRiend is the answer. All else in this discussion thread is a literal “smoke” screen put up by “industry” of pot legalization in its various forms “medical use only” and “recreational legalization” (which is losing their point, even with legalization- since it is driving away the profit margins that formerly were available to the illegal “growers”. Bottom has fallen out of the market ever since).

Appreciate both your posts from last Thur. - 35 & 38

I have been a smoker since 18yo, drink some socially but don’t appreciate all of the costs with drink.

The movie Concussion about Steelers center Mike Webster
helped me gain new understanding why I smoked (now edibles)
convinced an accumulation of head traumas affect roughly
1 in 6 people correlates with habitual MJ users. The only drug that is nearly harmless yet gives me peace of mind. So I’ve tried quitting a few times, longest
almost made it a whole year but (whenever out) often on my mind.

I counted at least 30 head traumas/concussions since 3rd
grade - a head to head collision at recess sent the other kid to doctor for concussion but since I seemed coherent I was deemed ‘fine’ and started wearing glasses thereafter.

Most people wouldn’t know I use, more of a bookworm than
a partier, but I did realize some 45 years ago that it
improves my ‘peace of mind’ for want of a better way to phrase it.

BTW concussions are permanent brain damage that may only be diagnosed with an autopsy so if you have the intelligence may be best to do your own doctoring ~ more about health, stress and doctors on my homepage.

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