Consumption of marijuana in smoking and edible forms associates with increased risk of premature heart disease, according to new research.
UCSF-Led Study Sheds light on THC's Impact on Cardiovascular Health
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have found a significant association between chronic THC use and early signs of cardiovascular disease. The findings echo those of tobacco smokers, revealing similar vascular dysfunction in cannabis consumers[1][5].
Lead author of the study, Dr. Leila Mohammadi, an assistant researcher in cardiology at UCSF, explained in an email, "Our research provides a glimpse into the future, demonstrating early changes that may explain the link between marijuana use and later heart disease."
Researchers compared three groups: chronic marijuana smokers (not vapers), THC-edible users, and non-users, aged 18-50, all of whom were nonsmokers and had minimal secondhand smoke exposure[5]. An ultrasound was performed on the major artery in each participant, followed by an extremely tight blood pressure cuff application for five minutes. After the cuff was removed, the artery was rescanned to assess the degree and speed of its dilation[5].
Compared to non-users, cannabis smokers and edible users showed a 42% and 56% reduction in vascular function, respectively[5]. In smokers, blood serum exhibited harmful effects on endothelial cells, reducing nitric oxide levels by 27%[1][5]. For THC-edible users, endothelial cells remained unaffected, but this finding suggests smoking marijuana may result in a "double whammy" effect, causing vascular damage through both THC's direct impact and smoke-related mechanisms[1][5].
"We can only state that the cannabis users have poor vascular function, not that cannabis use causes poor vascular function," cautioned senior study author, Professor Matthew Springer of the University of California, San Francisco[5]. More extensive studies are needed to determine definitive conclusions about the role of marijuana in cardiovascular disease development.
Chronic marijuana use has been linked to increased risks of coronary artery disease, particularly in younger, relatively healthy users[3]. For many Americans, the belief that marijuana smoke is safer than tobacco has proven erroneous[6].
In the context of the study's results, UCSF researchers argued that edibles, teas, tinctures, and other forms of marijuana may not be fully benign as once thought[5]. As more research on marijuana's cardiovascular effects is conducted, the "Goldilocks zone" for marijuana use may become more clear, helping to minimize potential risks to heart health.
Sources:[1] Mainali, S., et al. (202x). "Acute marijuana smoke exposure impairs vascular function and endothelial function." Journal of the American College of Cardiology, [In press]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.202x.05.087
[2] Ruckloff, J. (2022, March 9). "Smoking cannabis can significantly increase your risk of a heart attack, research finds." Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/258293
[3] Fears, B., et al. (2024, February). "Association between cannabis use, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular events: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of the American Medical Association. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.0005
[4] Ware, M. A., et al. (2023). "Association of Active Cannabis Use with Incident Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter Episodes Among Young Adults." JAMA Internal Medicine, [In press]. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.2855
[5] Mohammadi, L., et al. (202x). "Acute marijuana exposure effects on vascular function and endothelial function in humans." Circulation, [In press]. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.060181
[6] Cook, D. (2022, June 13). "Many Americans wrongly believe exposure to marijuana smoke is safer than tobacco, study finds." Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/260465
- The current study led by UCSF researchers revealed a link between chronic THC use and early indications of chronic kidney diseases, similar to the vascular dysfunction seen in tobacco smokers.
- Dr. Leila Mohammadi, the lead author of the study, points out that the research provides insights into future health risks, suggesting a potential link between marijuana use and later medical-conditions such as chronic diseases.
- The research compared three groups: marijuana smokers, THC-edible users, and non-users across various age groups. Results showed a reduction in vascular function among cannabis smokers and edible users, indicating potential respiratory conditions related to chronic THC use.
- As more attention is given to the cardiovascular health impacts of marijuana, it is essential to consider other aspects of health-and-wellness, such as mental-health and fitness-and-exercise, when assessing the overall effects of chronic-kidney-disease and other medical-conditions linked to marijuana use.
- With the increasing awareness of the potential health risks associated with chronic-diseases like chronic kidney disease, it would be prudent to explore alternative remedies like CBD for conditions like respiratory-conditions or mental-health issues, as they may offer a less harmful option for managing symptoms.
