Cannabis use a major threat to heart health; damages blood vessels, doubles the risk of heart attack: Study

San Francisco: Regular cannabis use can significantly damage blood vessels and may double the risk of heart-related illnesses, according to a new study. The research, conducted by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), was published in the JAMA Cardiology journal. The study warns that this risk exists regardless of whether cannabis is smoked or consumed in edible form.

According to the findings, regular cannabis users showed about 50% reduced blood vessel function compared to non-users. This impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. While all users exhibited reduced vascular function, only those who smoked cannabis showed specific blood changes that could damage the inner lining of blood vessels. Notably, such changes were not observed in those who consumed cannabis as edibles.

The researchers emphasized that cannabis use is not harmless under any circumstances. They also noted that this study strengthens growing concerns about the long-term impact of cannabis on the heart and blood vessels.