Individuals who use cannabis may face a markedly increased risk of developing oral cancer, with recent research suggesting that this risk could be similar to that experienced by cigarette smokers. This emerging evidence is raising concerns among health experts globally and is especially relevant for Thai policymakers, medical professionals, and the public as cannabis laws and usage patterns continue to shift in Thailand.
The latest study, summarized by Earth.com, provides robust evidence that regular cannabis users are at a significantly higher risk of developing oral cancers. Oral cancer, which encompasses cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, is already a major public health issue in Thailand and across Southeast Asia, with known risk factors including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and betel quid chewing. Now, cannabis can be added to this list of significant concerns.
These findings are especially timely in the Thai context, where cannabis was decriminalized in 2022, making Thailand the first country in Asia to remove criminal penalties for marijuana possession and use. This legal shift led to a rapid proliferation of cannabis dispensaries and a growing normalization of recreational use, particularly among young adults and tourists. While some proponents tout potential therapeutic benefits and economic opportunities, medical professionals have repeatedly cautioned that insufficient research exists on the long-term health impacts of widespread cannabis consumption. This new research adds critical weight to the debate, highlighting an under-recognized cancer risk.
Key facts from the research indicate that cannabis smoke contains many of the same carcinogenic compounds found in tobacco smoke, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, tar, and nitrosamines. Smoking cannabis involves deep inhalation and holding smoke in the mouth for longer periods, potentially exacerbating the exposure of oral tissues to these carcinogens (see National Institutes of Health). The new study analyzed data from thousands of individuals across several countries, adjusting for confounding factors such as age, gender, and concurrent tobacco use. The strong association between regular cannabis use and an increased likelihood of developing oral cavity cancers persisted even after controlling for these variables.
A spokesperson from the studys’ research team, as summarized by Earth.com, emphasizes that “cannabis smoke is not harmless, and sustained exposure can significantly elevate the risk of developing oral cancers.” The expert further notes that public perception lagged behind science, with many erroneously thinking marijuana is a safer alternative to cigarettes. Leading Thai dental associations, including representatives from the Faculty of Dentistry at one of the country’s top universities, have voiced concerns over rising cases of oral lesions among young cannabis users. “We are already seeing more patients presenting with pre-cancerous oral changes and leukoplakia, especially in areas with high cannabis use,” shared a senior hospital dental specialist in Bangkok.
For Thailand, these findings serve as a vital wake-up call. The Ministry of Public Health is currently revisiting regulations around cannabis, weighing evidence-based approaches to protect citizens’ health while navigating economic and tourism interests. Thailand’s unique cultural context — with traditions involving betel nut chewing and a high prevalence of tobacco use — means that the addition of cannabis as another oral cancer risk factor could place additional strain on an already overstretched public health system. According to data from the National Cancer Institute Thailand, oral and pharyngeal cancers collectively rank among the top ten cancers diagnosed nationwide, especially in the North and Northeast regions.
Historically, public health campaigns have made significant strides in reducing cigarette smoking in Thailand through graphic warning labels, heavy taxation, and school-based education. However, clear public messaging about the risks of cannabis — particularly those forms of use that involve combustion — lags behind. Social media and youth-oriented marketing have made cannabis appear trendy, with little mention of related health dangers. Law enforcement officials and local municipalities are also still adapting regulations following the 2022 decriminalization, with open public consumption becoming a new and contentious issue.
Looking forward, public health experts urge Thailand to develop targeted awareness campaigns around the oral health risks linked to cannabis, mirroring the aggressive anti-smoking messaging used successfully in the past. Dental professionals call for more routine oral screenings, especially for at-risk populations, and recommend that primary care doctors incorporate questions about cannabis use into routine examinations. Education authorities should ensure that emerging science about cannabis-related harms is integrated into school health curricula.
For Thai readers concerned about their own health or their families’, medical specialists strongly advise limiting or avoiding all forms of smoking, whether from tobacco, cannabis, or other products, in order to reduce the risk of oral cancer. Regular dental check-ups and reporting any persistent oral sores to a healthcare provider can enable early detection and increase survival rates. Policymakers are encouraged to closely monitor new research, implement science-driven regulations, and expand public health interventions as new evidence unfolds.
To access the original study summary, visit Earth.com. For more on oral cancer statistics and prevention in Thailand, refer to the National Cancer Institute Thailand and relevant research on NIH PubMed.