Since decriminalization has taken place in many countries across the globe, researchers have once again been permitted to study the effects of marijuana. These studies have revealed both associated marijuana health risks and benefits. A recent study has shown a link between marijuana and heart health risks, but how does marijuana affect heart health? Let’s find the answer to that question in the article below.
Marijuana and Heart Health
Recently, there have been several studies conducted on the potential marijuana health risks associated with its use. In a new study, researchers revealed that the regular use of marijuana was associated with an increased risk of developing acute coronary syndrome, strokes, and death from cardiovascular disease. This has prompted health experts to warn the public about the dangers of cannabis use and to push for it to be regulated in the same manner as tobacco. The authors of the study feel that it is important to warn the public, as many people assume that the plant is typically safe to use.
According to the authors, Dr. Stanton Glantz and Dr. Lynn Silver, stated that “Frequent cannabis use has increased in several countries, and many users believe that it is a safe and natural way to relieve pain or stress. In contrast, a growing body of evidence links cannabis use to significant harms throughout life, including the cardiovascular health of adults.” They added that, like tobacco, marijuana use should not be criminalized but rather discouraged. This meta-analysis adds to the growing body of studies that show that cannabis should be regarded as a potential risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Read More: Frequent Marijuana Use Linked to Heightened Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
Marijuana Health Risks
For their meta-analysis, the researchers examined 24 different studies that were published between 2016 and 2023. The analysis included the data of around 200 million individuals, mostly aged between 19 and 59, with regular users tending to be younger males. According to the research, the use of marijuana doubled the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, they found that cannabis users had a 29% higher chance of developing acute coronary syndrome.
This condition can cause blocked or reduced blood flow to the heart, in addition to a 20% increased stroke risk. However, the researchers of the meta-analysis acknowledged that there were several issues with the studies used. For example, many of them lacked adequate data or had imprecise cannabis exposure measurements. Additionally, the majority of the studies were observational. However, this is not the only analysis to reveal various marijuana health risks recently.
Read More: 5 Scientific Discoveries About Marijuana That Change What We Know
Other Recent Studies on Marijuana and Heart Health
This meta-analysis comes hot on the heels of another recent study that found that regular cannabis use was linked to a greater risk of endothelial dysfunction. This is a type of coronary disease in which the heart’s large blood vessels constrict instead of dilating. Yet another study found that those who used marijuana were six times more likely to suffer a heart attack. Additionally, a study from 2024 found that individuals who used cannabis to treat chronic pain had a higher risk of developing heart arrhythmia. These new findings are significant considering the large increase in cannabis use after large-scale decriminalization across the globe.
Furthermore, they noted that cannabis potency had also increased in recent years. However, the analysis did not distinguish between cannabis use and ingestion. According to the medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in California, Cheng-Han Chen, “It is thought that ingesting THC increases systolic absorption of the chemical when compared to smoking THC and thus results in greater adverse effects. However, cannabis smoke comes with a separate set of health concerns, as the smoke contains many carcinogens and mutagens similar to tobacco smoke.”
The Pros and Cons of Cannabis Use
Several experts have noted that there are mental health risks associated with regular cannabis use. This includes a condition known as cannabis use disorder, which is believed to affect around 30% of users. However, others, such as the deputy director of NORML, Pail Armentano, insist that there are studies that have concluded that there is no risk of cardiovascular disease associated with its use. According to Armentano, “while tobacco smoke exposure’s role in cardiovascular disease is well established, the potential role of cannabis smoke is not.”
However, he added that those who wanted to minimize their risk should rather use herbal vaporizers. In addition, several studies have also shown that the use of cannabis can improve the quality of life for those living with chronic pain. Cannabis has likewise been shown to help alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments. However, before starting any new medication, including medical marijuana, it is important to first discuss it with your health practitioner.
Read More: Recent Research Sheds Light on the Effects of Cannabis on the Brain
