Men over 50 with a history of cannabis use are no more likely to develop prostate cancer than those who have never used the drug, according to a study published in Nature: Scientific Reports. The research provides new insight into the long-term health implications of cannabis use in older adults.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. They analyzed data from a representative sample of older adults to explore the relationship between lifetime use of cannabis and psychedelic substances and the incidence of prostate cancer.
While the researchers observed a slight correlation between the use of psychedelic drugs and prostate cancer, no such association was found for cannabis users. “No significant associations were found for cannabis-only use versus non-use,” the study reported, underscoring that cannabis does not appear to increase prostate cancer risk.
The authors noted that, with cannabis and psychedelics becoming increasingly accepted and accessible for both medical and recreational purposes, understanding potential long-term health effects is essential. They emphasized that these findings are particularly relevant for older men, who face a higher baseline risk of prostate cancer.
“Our cross-sectional findings may help clinicians consider substance use histories, including cannabis and psychedelic use, during routine health assessments and cancer risk evaluations in aging male patients,” the study concluded. The full research, Association between lifetime co-use of classic psychedelics and cannabis and prostate cancer diagnosis among US adults 50 years and older, is available in Nature: Scientific Reports.
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