Regular marijuana use — whether smoked or consumed through edibles — may lead to early signs of blood vessel damage, increasing the risk for heart problems, a new study has found.
According to CNN, researchers at the University of California-San Francisco examined the vascular health of 55 adults aged between 18 and 50. Participants were divided into groups based on their cannabis use: regular users (at least three times a week for a year) and non-users. None of the participants used tobacco or vapes, and all had minimal exposure to secondhand smoke.
The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, revealed that vascular function decreased by 42% among marijuana smokers and 56% among those who consumed THC edibles. Dr. Leila Mohammadi, the study’s lead author and a cardiology researcher at UCSF, told CNN, “We found that vascular function was reduced by 42% in marijuana smokers and by 56% in THC-edible users compared to nonusers.”
To assess vascular health, researchers used an ultrasound test that evaluated how well participants’ arteries expanded after temporarily restricting blood flow. Arteries that do not dilate properly can be an early warning sign for cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks or stroke.
Matthew Springer, senior author and UCSF professor of medicine, emphasized that both the act of smoking and the THC compound appear to contribute to vascular damage, although in different ways.
Interestingly, individuals who consumed marijuana more frequently showed poorer vascular function, suggesting a dose-related link. However, researchers noted that the study did not detect clogged arteries or plaque buildup — only impaired artery flexibility.
Additional lab tests showed that blood samples from marijuana smokers led to a 27% drop in nitric oxide, a molecule that helps blood vessels relax. For comparison, blood from tobacco users showed a 39% reduction. Edible users did not show this effect in their blood samples.
Dr. Andrew Freeman, a Denver-based cardiologist who reviewed the findings, expressed concern over the assumption that non-smoking cannabis forms might be safer. “Could it be that other forms of marijuana — teas, tinctures, edibles — are perhaps not as benign as we once thought?” he questioned.
While further studies are needed to confirm these findings across larger populations, experts urge caution. The American Heart Association advises against smoking or vaping any substance, including cannabis, due to potential harm to heart rhythm and blood vessel function.
As Freeman summed up, there’s still much to learn: “We need further investigations to see if there is a Goldilocks zone to be found.”
Article updated 4 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
