Chronic cannabis use has been linked to significant cardiovascular risks, according to a new study from UC San Francisco. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology on May 28, found that both smoking marijuana and consuming cannabis edibles like gummies can have similar negative effects on vascular function as tobacco smoking. This has prompted experts to issue cautionary advice regarding the potential health impacts of long-term cannabis use.
The study involved 55 participants aged 18 to 50 who were considered ‘outwardly healthy.’ These participants were divided into three groups: those who regularly smoked marijuana, those who consumed THC-containing edibles, and those who did not use cannabis. The cannabis users had been consuming the substance multiple times weekly for at least one year. The participants who smoked marijuana had been doing so for an average of 10 years, while those who consumed edibles had been eating them for about five years.
During the study, participants underwent testing to evaluate their blood vessel function and the condition of the cells lining their blood vessels. The findings revealed that all cannabis users experienced ‘decreased vascular function,’ which was comparable to that of tobacco smokers. Their vascular function was approximately half of what it was in individuals who did not use cannabis. This impairment is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular issues. The researchers noted that both forms of cannabis use—smoking and ingestion—resulted in endothelial dysfunction, a condition that affects the functioning of the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels.
Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company, commented on the study’s findings, stating that while he was not surprised by them, the study provided further evidence of the cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use. He emphasized the importance of weighing the benefits and risks of cannabis use and advised caution in its consumption, especially given the potential for unnecessary cardiac risks.
The researchers acknowledged the study’s limitations, including the variability in cannabis strains and the potential for recall bias due to self-reported use. They also noted challenges in isolating the effects of cannabis from lifestyle factors such as stress, caffeine, and exposure to secondhand smoke. Despite these limitations, the study contributes to the growing body of evidence suggesting that cannabis use is not without its health consequences.
As cannabis continues to gain popularity both for recreational and medicinal purposes, this study underscores the need for further research and public awareness about the potential cardiovascular risks associated with its long-term use.