New Study Reveals Link Between Smoking Marijuana and Eating Cannabis Gummies to Cardiovascular Risks
A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology has found that both smoking marijuana and eating cannabis gummies can have a similar impact on cardiovascular risk. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), involved 55 healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 50 who were divided into three groups: those who regularly smoked marijuana, those who consumed edible cannabis products containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and those who did not use cannabis.
The researchers found that all cannabis users, regardless of their method of consumption, had decreased vascular function, which is comparable to that of tobacco smokers. This decrease in vascular function can increase the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular conditions.
The study also found that the participants who smoked marijuana had changes in their blood serum that harmed cells lining their blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, an effect that was not seen in those who consumed edible cannabis products.
The researchers noted that while smoking marijuana and consuming edibles both affect vascular function, they likely do so through different mechanisms. Chronic cannabis smoking and THC ingestion were associated with endothelial dysfunction, similar to that observed in tobacco smokers, although the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood.
The study’s findings suggest that cannabis use, regardless of the method of consumption, is not benign and can have negative health consequences. Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist, agrees with the study’s conclusions, stating that chronic cannabis use can have negative health consequences and that patients should weigh the benefits and risks of cannabis use.
The study had some limitations, including variability in cannabis strains and self-reported cannabis use, which may introduce recall bias. Additionally, the study did not account for lifestyle factors that may affect blood vessel function, such as stress, caffeine, and secondhand smoke exposure.
The researchers acknowledge that the study’s findings are based on a small sample size and that further research is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabis use on cardiovascular health. However, the study’s results suggest that cannabis use, regardless of the method of consumption, should be approached with caution and that patients should be aware of the potential risks to their cardiovascular health.
