Aims: This study was designed to assess links between lifetime levels of marijuana use and accelerated epigenetic aging. Design: Prospective longitudinal study, following participants annually from age 13 to age 30. Setting and participants: A community sample of 154 participants recruited from a small city in the Southeastern United States.
Measurements: Participants completed annual assessments of marijuana use from age 13 to age 29 and provided blood samples that yielded two indices of epigenetic aging (DNAmGrimAge and DunedinPoAm) at age 30. Additional covariates examined included history of cigarette smoking, anxiety and depressive symptoms, childhood illness, gender, adolescent-era family income, and racial/ethnic minority status.
Conclusions: Marijuana use predicted epigenetic changes linked to accelerated aging, with evidence suggesting that effects may be primarily due to hydrocarbon inhalation among marijuana smokers. Further research is warranted to explore mechanisms underlying this linkage.