A recent multicenter clinical cohort analysis has found that individuals with cannabis use disorder are three times more likely to develop oral cancer over a 5-year period compared to those without cannabis use disorder. The study, published in Preventive Medicine Reports, analyzed data from over 45,000 adults who were screened for drug use disorders between 2012 and 2019.
According to the study’s author, Raphael Cuomo, PhD, the increased risk is likely due to the presence of carcinogenic compounds in cannabis smoke that are similar to those found in tobacco smoke. The findings add to growing evidence suggesting that chronic or problematic cannabis use may contribute to cancer risk in tissues exposed to combustion products.
The study found that 2.1% of participants developed cannabis use disorder, and 0.7% of these individuals developed oral cancer compared to 0.2% in the non-cannabis user group. The odds ratio for developing oral cancer with cannabis use disorder was 3.24, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.25 after adjusting for smoking status and other factors.
The study suggests that the immune-suppressing effects of tetrahydrocannabinol in cannabis may be contributing to the increased cancer risk. Dr. Cuomo emphasizes the need for further assessment of long-term oncologic risks associated with problematic cannabis use.
Source: https://ascopost.com/news/july-2025/cannabis-use-disorder-and-risk-of-oral-cancer