Pubdate: Thu, 06 Dec 2001
Source: The Herald-Sun (NC)
Copyright: 2001 The Herald-Sun
Contact:  http://www.herald-sun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1428
Authors: Joe and Teresa Graedon
Note: Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in 
medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their latest book is "The 
People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" (St. Martin's Press). 
In their column, the Graedons answer letters from readers. Write to them at 
P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027 or e-mail them via their Web site: 
www.peoplespharmacy.com.  Note as published by source; column title by MAP 
editor.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

MARIJUANA NOT CAUSE OF BREAST ENLARGEMENT

Q. You recently told a concerned grandmother that her 16-year-old 
grandson's breast enlargement might be due to marijuana. I can only wonder 
what you were smoking!

Contrary to government propaganda, marijuana has NOT been linked to breast 
development in anybody. Too many people's lives have been devastated by 
misinformation of this sort in the press.

A. The fact that marijuana is illegal has hampered objective research on 
its risks as well as on its potential benefits. The idea that smoking 
marijuana could be linked to breast enlargement in boys might have 
originated with several cases reported in the medical literature. Very few 
scientific studies have examined the link between marijuana and hormone 
levels, and those have produced conflicting results.

A number of prescription drugs can trigger breast enlargement in men. So 
can hormonal imbalances. Although breast development in teen-age boys is 
not usually serious, it should always be evaluated by a physician.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jackl