Cannabis Use and Its Link to Kidney Disease: What New Research Reveals
The relationship between cannabis use and overall health has been widely studied, but its impact on Kidney Disease remains an area of ongoing research. A recent study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research sheds light on whether regular cannabis consumption poses risks for kidney health. Conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Tulane University, the study followed over 1,500 adults in Baltimore, Maryland to explore this important connection.
Study Overview
The study analyzed data from 1,521 participants with an average age of 48. The group included a diverse population, with 58% identifying as Black and 58% as female. Researchers noted that individuals who regularly used cannabis tended to be younger, male, and more likely to also use substances like cigarettes, opiates, or cocaine. Since lifestyle factors can influence Kidney Disease, the study adjusted for these additional health risks.
Findings on Kidney Function
The central question was whether cannabis use increased the risk of developing chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or accelerated kidney decline. The results were surprising: current regular cannabis users were not at higher risk of CKD compared with non-users. Specifically, the study found no significant association between cannabis consumption and rapid kidney function decline, albuminuria (a marker of kidney damage), or other adverse outcomes.
In fact, after nearly nine years of follow-up, the data showed that cannabis users had a similar risk of Kidney Disease as those who had never used cannabis. Both current and former cannabis use were unrelated to changes in kidney function over time. These results align with previous studies suggesting no direct link between cannabis and worsening kidney health.
For adults without a prior history of Kidney Disease, the findings suggest that cannabis use, at least in the studied forms and amounts, may not pose additional kidney risks. However, researchers caution that more work is needed. The study focused on a specific group of adults, and cannabis products today vary widely in potency, form, and method of consumption.
Edibles, concentrates, and vaping could have different health effects compared with smoking cannabis.
The Bottom Line
The research offers some reassurance that cannabis use does not independently increase the risk of Kidney Disease in otherwise healthy adults. Still, patients with existing kidney conditions should remain cautious and consult healthcare providers before using cannabis. As cannabis legalization expands, future studies will be vital in exploring how different products, doses, and long-term use could impact kidney health.
For now, this study suggests that cannabis may not be the hidden risk factor for Kidney Disease that many feared.
