Smoking marijuana and eating cannabis gummies linked to dangerous health risk, the study finds
The use of long -term cannabis in any way has been related to a higher risk of heart disease.
In a new study, UC San Francisco researchers determined that eating edible cannabis, such as gommies, has the same impact on cardiovascular risk as smoking marijuana.
The risk comes from the reduced function of blood vessels, according to the study, which was published in Jama Cardiology on May 28.
The heavy use of cannabis could represent this threat to the brain
The study included 55 people between 18 and 50 years of age who were “externally healthy.”
The participants were divided into three groups: those who regularly smoked marijuana, those who ate groceries containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and those who did not use cannabis, according to a UCSF press release.
The use of long -term cannabis in any way has been related to a higher risk of heart disease, according to a new study. (Istock)
Cannabis users had been consuming the substance at least three times a week for at least one year.
On average, the smokers had the habit for 10 years, while those who consumed edible had been doing it for five years, the statement said.
In September 2024, the participants underwent tests to determine how well their blood vessels worked and if the cells that covered the blood vessels were affected.
Risk of dementia connected to hospital visits related to cannabis, says the study
It was discovered that all cannabis users had “decrease in vascular function”, comparable to those who smoke tobacco.
The function of its blood vessel was approximately half compared to those who did not use cannabis.
This side effect has been related to a higher risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, the researchers said.
Eating edible cannabis, such as gommies, has the same impact on cardiovascular risk as smoking marijuana, say researchers. (Istock)
It was also discovered that the participants who smoked marijuana had changes in their blood serum that damaged the cells that covered their blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, an effect that was not seen in those who ate edible cannabis.
The researchers pointed out that while smoking marijuana and consuming groceries affect vascular function, they probably do it for different reasons.
The tile vaccine has an unexpected effect on heart health
“Chronic smoking and THC ingestion were associated with endothelial dysfunction [impaired functioning of the endothelial cells lining the inside of blood vessels] Similar to that observed in tobacco smokers, although they apparently occur through different mechanisms, “the researchers wrote.
“This study improves the understanding of potential risks for vascular health related to the use of cannabis and provides more evidence that the use of cannabis is not benign.”
It was discovered that all cannabis users had “decrease in vascular function”, comparable to those who smoke tobacco. (Istock)
Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and medical director based in Maryland in Vitalsolution, an ingenovis health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals throughout the country, said it was not surprised by the study findings.
“We have known that the chronic use of compounds containing THC can have negative health consequences: this study only reaffirms those previous studies,” said Serwer, who did not participate in the UCSF research, to News Digital.
Click here to get the News application
The study had some limitations.
“The variability in cannabis strains complicates standardization,” the researchers wrote. “The use of self -informed cannabis can introduce recovery bias; therefore, the participants were consulted in multiple points: in the online survey, in the eligibility interview and before each visit.”
“This study improves the understanding of the potential risks for vascular health related to the use of cannabis and provides more evidence that the use of cannabis is not benign,” the researchers said. (Istock)
It was also difficult to determine whether the function of blood vessels could also have been affected by lifestyle factors such as stress, caffeine and second -hand smoke exposure, they pointed out.
Serwer said this was a “very small” study of only 55 people, all who live in the San Francisco Bay area.
“The decision to use it or avoid it must be taken with all the benefits and risks in mind.”
“The study did not allow variability in different cannabis strains, and used a self -report survey, which can be insufficiently informed,” Digital News told News.
“They searched for physiological ends and not difficult final points, such as heart attacks, blows or death. We have to infer that physiological final points would result in cardiovascular events.”
Click here to register in our health newsletter
The cardiologist said he agreed, however, with the conclusion that cannabis consumption “is not benign.”
“Chronic use has potential cardiovascular risks,” he warned. “There are therapeutic uses of cannabis, and the decision to use or avoid it must be taken with all the benefits and risks in mind.”
“We have known that the chronic use of compounds containing THC can have negative health consequences: this study only reaffirms those previous studies,” said a cardiologist. (Istock)
In general, Serwer said he warns all his patients who avoid unnecessary heart risks.
“As doctors, we must weigh the benefits and risks of a medication/medication or intervention,” he said. “If the risks exceed benefits, they should be avoided.”
For more health articles, visit www.Newsnews.com/health
The study was mainly funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse; the California Cannabis Control Department; the Diseases Program related to California tobacco; the National Institute of Heart, Lungs and Blood; and the center of the FDA for tobacco products.
News Digital communicated with cannabis industry organizations that requested comments.
Melissa Rudy is a senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle in News Digital. The advice of history can be sent to melissa.rudy@News.com.