Is Your Gummy Habit Wrecking Your Heart? New Cannabis Study Sounds Alarm

UC San Francisco Study Unveils Troubling Cardiovascular Risks Linked to Cannabis Use

A groundbreaking new study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has shed light on the potential cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, even among individuals who abstain from smoking it. The research, published Wednesday, suggests that both smoking and consuming cannabis edibles may negatively impact heart health.

The study, which involved 55 participants from the Bay Area, investigated the cardiovascular function of individuals who smoked cannabis, consumed cannabis edibles, and those who abstained from cannabis use altogether. The findings revealed that regular cannabis users, regardless of consumption method, exhibited reduced cardiovascular function and an elevated risk of premature heart disease.

This research bolsters a growing body of evidence indicating that chronic cannabis use may be detrimental to the cardiovascular system. While a 2024 study linked daily marijuana use to a 25% increase in heart attack risk and a 42% increase in stroke risk, this UCSF study is particularly noteworthy for directly measuring cardiovascular function in healthy adults who exclusively consumed cannabis edibles.

Key Findings:

• Reduced Cardiovascular Function: Both cannabis smokers and edible users showed signs of impaired cardiovascular function compared to non-users.
• Artery Dilation: Ultrasound analysis revealed that cannabis users had arteries with lower dilation rates after being constricted, indicating reduced blood flow.
• Nitric Oxide Levels: Cannabis smokers exhibited decreased levels of nitric oxide, a crucial indicator of cardiovascular health, mirroring the effects observed in tobacco smokers. Edible users did not show this effect.

“When I first saw the THC result, I said to Leila, ‘Scientifically, this THC result is really interesting but boy does it screw up the public health messaging,’” Springer said.

Edibles: A Seemingly Less Harmful Alternative? Not So Fast.

One of the most surprising aspects of the study was the discovery that even exclusive edible users displayed signs of cardiovascular damage. This finding challenges the perception that edibles might be a safer alternative to smoking cannabis, a notion previously suggested in a 2020 recommendation by the American Heart Association.

Matthew Springer, a UCSF researcher and co-author of the study, highlighted that edible users showed damage on the artery dilation test, while smokers showed damage on both the dilation and nitric oxide tests. This suggests that THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, could be directly damaging the vascular system, independent of smoking. Furthermore, smoking marijuana might inflict a “double whammy” of negative effects on heart health.

The researchers meticulously ensured that none of the participants were exposed to nicotine by testing all subjects for nicotine exposure.

Important Considerations and Expert Opinions

While the UCSF study strongly suggests a link between THC consumption and increased cardiovascular risk, it's crucial to acknowledge that it does not establish a definitive causal relationship. However, Springer emphasizes that the study's findings, which confirm earlier research by identifying early warning signs of heart disease in healthy individuals, provide compelling evidence that cannabis use can harm the cardiovascular system.

Benjamin Caplan, a medical doctor specializing in medical cannabis, acknowledges that the study "raises important questions." However, he argues that it falls short of providing conclusive evidence of cardiovascular damage from cannabis use due to limitations in controlling for specific cannabis products, diet, BMI, lifestyle factors, and the limited representation of women in the edible group.

“This study says nothing about what happens when cannabis is used thoughtfully, in low doses, under medical supervision, or as part of a broader care plan,” Caplan said. “It doesn’t reflect the patients I see — older adults tapering off opioids, cancer survivors managing pain, or anxious individuals finally sleeping through the night. It’s a narrow lens applied to a very broad subject.”

Looking Ahead: A Call for Further Research and Informed Decisions

The UCSF study serves as a crucial reminder of the potential health risks associated with cannabis use, even in seemingly less harmful forms like edibles. As cannabis legalization continues to spread, it is imperative to conduct more comprehensive research to fully understand the long-term effects of cannabis consumption on cardiovascular health. This knowledge will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, fostering a balanced approach to cannabis use within society.

The findings underscore the need for continued vigilance and a nuanced understanding of the potential health implications associated with different methods of cannabis consumption. It's a vital step towards promoting public health and ensuring that individuals can make informed choices about their well-being in an evolving landscape.

Source: https://www.sfgate.com/cannabis/article/ucsf-cannabis-heart-health-risks-20349621.php