Research Links Chronic Cannabis Use to Increased Cardiovascular Risks
Chronic cannabis use, whether smoked or ingested, is associated with impaired blood vessel function and increased cardiovascular risks, according to recent research. This highlights the importance of understanding cannabis's impact on heart health.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, has revealed that long-term cannabis consumption—whether through smoking or consuming edibles—may pose significant risks to cardiovascular health. Published on May 28, 2025, in JAMA Cardiology, the research highlights that regular use of marijuana can impair vascular function, which is a crucial factor in heart health.
The study involved 55 healthy individuals who regularly used marijuana for at least one year, either via smoking or edibles containing THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. Participants averaged three or more uses per week, with smokers averaging around a decade of use, while edible consumers averaged about five years. Importantly, none of the participants used nicotine.
Findings demonstrated that cannabis users experienced approximately a 50% reduction in vascular function compared to non-users. This decline is comparable to the effects seen in tobacco smokers and is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, hypertension, and other cardiovascular issues. Additionally, marijuana smokers exhibited alterations in their blood serum that adversely affected endothelial cells—the cells lining blood vessels—and lymphatic vessels. Curiously, participants who consumed edibles did not show these specific blood serum changes, suggesting different underlying mechanisms for the vascular effects of smoking versus ingestion.
While the precise biological pathway by which THC damages blood vessels remains unclear, the evidence strongly suggests that smoking marijuana disrupts vascular health through distinct pathways than edibles. Lead author Dr. Leila Mohammadi emphasized that this research indicates smoking marijuana has negative effects on blood vessel function, highlighting the importance of understanding its cardiovascular implications.
This research underscores the need for public awareness of the potential heart health risks associated with long-term cannabis use, especially for individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions or those at risk. As cannabis legalization expands, further studies are essential to fully comprehend its health effects and inform safe consumption practices.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-regular-cannabis-eaten-cardiovascular-health.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Exploring the Dual Impact of AI Scribes in Healthcare
An editorial in JMIR Medical Informatics explores the promising benefits and significant challenges of integrating AI scribes into healthcare, highlighting the need for careful, evidence-based implementation to ensure patient safety and clinician well-being.
Innovative Approach Estimates Measles Vaccination Coverage Without Recent Survey Data
A new modeling technique utilizes routine clinic data to estimate regional measles vaccination rates without relying on recent surveys, enhancing outbreak prevention efforts globally.
Innovative Light Therapy Technology Boosts Healing and Pain Management in Dental Care
Groundbreaking light therapy device Nuralyte shows promise in accelerating healing and managing pain in dental procedures through targeted mitochondrial stimulation, with broader implications for tissue regeneration.
Study Uncovers UK Patients' Expectations from General Practitioners
A comprehensive study reveals that UK patients desire more personalized, accessible, and trust-based interactions with their general practitioners, emphasizing the importance of continuity, clear communication, and convenient appointment options.