A recent study conducted by researchers at UC San Francisco has shed light on the potential cardiovascular risks associated with chronic cannabis use, whether smoked or consumed in edible form. The findings, published in JAMA Cardiology on May 28, revealed that regular marijuana users exhibited significant reductions in blood vessel function comparable to that of tobacco smokers. This decreased vascular function is linked to a higher risk of heart attack, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions.
The study involved 55 outwardly healthy individuals who were regular cannabis users, either through smoking or consuming THC-infused edibles. Participants had been using marijuana at least three times a week for a minimum of one year, with smokers averaging 10 years of chronic use and edible consumers averaging five years. Interestingly, smokers showed alterations in blood serum that were detrimental to endothelial cells, which line the inner walls of blood and lymphatic vessels. In contrast, those who consumed THC-infused edibles did not display these harmful changes in blood serum.
The exact mechanism by which THC damages blood vessels remains unclear, but the researchers noted that it must be distinct from the changes observed in blood serum. According to lead author Leila Mohammadi, MD, Ph.D., and senior author Matthew L. Springer, Ph.D., the results suggest that smoking marijuana negatively impacts vascular function through different pathways compared to ingesting THC.
For those interested in delving deeper into the study, the full report titled “Association of Endothelial Dysfunction With Chronic Marijuana Smoking and THC-Edible Use” can be accessed in JAMA Cardiology. The research highlights the importance of understanding the potential cardiovascular implications of chronic cannabis use and underscores the need for further investigation into the specific mechanisms underlying these effects.
This groundbreaking study was made possible by the University of California, San Francisco, and serves as a crucial contribution to the growing body of research on the health effects of cannabis consumption. As more states legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes, it is essential for healthcare providers and policymakers to consider the potential risks associated with chronic cannabis use and take proactive measures to protect public health.
