A recent study conducted by researchers at UC San Francisco has shed light on the cardiovascular risks associated with chronic cannabis use. Whether smoked or consumed in edible form, regular marijuana use has been found to have significant impacts on vascular function, similar to those seen in tobacco smokers.
Published in JAMA Cardiology on May 28, the study revealed that individuals who used cannabis regularly, either through smoking or edibles containing THC, experienced a reduction in blood vessel function comparable to that of tobacco smokers. This decrease in vascular function is linked to a higher risk of heart attack, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions.
The research involved 55 participants who were considered outwardly healthy and had been using marijuana at least three times a week for a minimum of one year. Those who smoked marijuana had an average of 10 years of chronic use, while those who consumed THC-infused edibles averaged five years of use. Interestingly, smokers exhibited changes in their blood serum that were detrimental to endothelial cells, while edible users did not show these same effects.
Although the exact mechanism by which THC damages blood vessels remains unclear, the study suggests that smoking marijuana affects vascular function differently than ingesting THC. According to lead author Leila Mohammadi, MD, Ph.D., and senior author Matthew L. Springer, Ph.D., these findings highlight the need for further research into the cardiovascular effects of cannabis consumption.
For more information, the full study titled “Association of Endothelial Dysfunction With Chronic Marijuana Smoking and THC-Edible Use” can be found in JAMA Cardiology. This study underscores the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with cannabis use, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health.
This study was provided by the University of California, San Francisco. Further details and updates on this research can be accessed on their official website.
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for awareness and caution when it comes to chronic cannabis use, as it may pose significant risks to cardiovascular health. As more research is conducted in this area, it is essential for individuals to be informed about the potential consequences of regular marijuana consumption.
