Long-term marijuana use increases heart disease risk

In recent studies, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, have investigated the health impacts of cannabis use, specifically its role in cardiovascular health. The findings indicate that both smoking marijuana and consuming THC-infused edibles contribute to impaired blood vessel function. This impairment poses a significant risk for heart conditions, resembling the effects previously attributed to tobacco. The research involved a diverse group of participants aged 18 to 50, all of whom were generally healthy but exhibited early signs of cardiovascular disease related to their cannabis usage. Smokers and edibles users showed notable decreases in vascular function, up to 56% in edible users compared to non-users, underscoring the severity of potential health implications. In a comparative analysis, young cannabis users were found to have a sixfold increase in heart attack likelihood, alongside a doubling of heart failure risk. The researchers cautioned that while there is a strong correlation between THC use and cardiovascular damage, these findings do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It remains vital for future studies to explore the multi-faceted interactions between cannabis and cardiovascular health, factoring in other lifestyle influences such as stress and diet that could also contribute to these findings. Overall, health professionals are urged to carefully consider the implications of cannabis use as more data on its long-term impacts emerges, particularly concerning heart health.