Marijuana smoking--possible cause of head and neck carcinoma in young patients

Abstract

Six cases of advanced head and neck cancer in young patients, who were regular marijuana users, are presented. Numerous carcinogens, as well as respiratory irritants, are found in marijuana smoke. The active euphoria-producing agent, delta-9 tetrahydrocanabinol, has been implicated in altered DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and consequent chromosomal aberrations.