It is official (almost) that marijuana smoke is carcinogenic

California EPA has issued a draft study indicating that there is some evidence from studies in humans that marijuana smoke is associated with increased cancer risk. Studies in animals also provide some evidence that marijuana smoke induces tumors, with benign and malignant tumors observed in rats exposed via inhalation, malignant tumors in rats exposed via subcutaneous injection as newborns, and benign tumors in mice exposed dermally. Studies investigating the genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and effects on endocrine function and cell signaling pathways provide additional evidence for the carcinogenicity of marijuana smoke. Finally, the similarities in chemical composition and in toxicological activity between marijuana smoke and tobacco smoke, and the presence of numerous carcinogens in marijuana (and tobacco) smoke, provide additional evidence of carcinogenicity.

This study is the initial step in the process of listing marijuana smoke as a Prop 65 chemical due to its carcinogenicity. Tobacco smoke is already on the Prop 65 list.

How to stay on top of regulatory development without spending big bucks

If you want to stay on top of new regulatory developments by EPA or other state agencies, there is a very cost-effective way to do it. It is FREE!

For EPA, go to its list servers at this link and sign up.

For California EPA, go to this link and sign up.

Go to other state agencies’ websites and see if they have their own list servers for you to sign up.

Once you have signed up, you will get email from the agencies updating you on what is going on.