A recent study has revealed a concerning connection between frequent cannabis consumption, including edibles, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, with effects similar to those caused by tobacco smoking.
Published on May 28, the study adds to the growing body of research highlighting the adverse health consequences of cannabis use. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed the heart health of 55 individuals who consumed cannabis at least three times a week for a minimum of one year.
The findings were striking: participants who used cannabis regularly showed a 50% reduction in vascular function compared to those who did not. Moreover, the study participants exhibited signs of an increased likelihood of premature heart disease, a risk level comparable to that found in tobacco smokers.
To ensure the accuracy of their findings, the researchers specifically chose participants who did not smoke tobacco, vape, or frequently encounter secondhand tobacco smoke.
“This study deepens our understanding of the potential vascular risks tied to cannabis use, reinforcing that it’s not without serious health concerns,” the researchers concluded.
Surprising Findings on Edibles
One of the most unexpected results of the study was the severe impact that THC-infused edibles had on vascular health. Regular users of edibles showed more than a 50% reduction in vascular function compared to non-users. In comparison, those who smoked marijuana had a 42% decrease in vascular function.
While edibles have often been considered a less harmful alternative to smoking or vaping marijuana, these findings challenge that perception.
“As soon as I saw the results related to THC, I thought, ‘This is scientifically fascinating, but it’s going to complicate the public health message,’” remarked Matthew Springer, the senior author of the study and professor of medicine at UC San Francisco, during an interview with SFGate.
Growing Concerns Over Cannabis and Health
The new study is just one in a series that links regular cannabis use to significant cardiovascular risks. A 2023 study by Stanford University researchers found that daily marijuana use, whether smoked, vaped, or consumed as edibles, increased the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. However, this study did not examine the distinct risks posed by different forms of cannabis products.
The American Heart Association has also raised concerns, urging further studies to understand the long-term health impacts of cannabis use.
Call for More Research
Although the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between cannabis use and vascular damage, its results have attracted the attention of health experts.
“This research demonstrates that cannabis users tend to have poorer vascular health, though it does not definitively prove that cannabis use directly causes these issues,” noted Springer.
Other experts are also calling for more extensive studies to clarify the potential risks. “Could other forms of marijuana – such as teas, tinctures, and edibles – pose greater risks than previously thought? We need larger, more detailed studies to understand these findings fully,” said Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, in an interview with CNN.
For more latest informations and news visit now! Digital News Alerts.
