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Smoking weed, using THC edibles could be as bad for you as cigarettes

Craig Nigrelli (Anchor), Shea Taylor (Producer)
A new study found a link between marijuana use and a higher risk for cardiovascular disease comparable to the impacts of smoking cigarettes.
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Summary

THC and your heart

A new study found a link between marijuana use and a higher risk for cardiovascular disease comparable to the impacts of smoking cigarettes.

It’s not just smoking

Researchers say vascular function was reduced by 42% in marijuana smokers and 56% in THC edible users.

Correlation ≠ causation

The study’s authors say while their findings show a strong link between THC and cardiovascular damage, they don’t prove it can be a sole cause and more research needs to be done.

Full story

As marijuana use becomes more commonplace in the United States, we’re learning more about its long-term impacts. Now, a new study sheds light on how it compares to tobacco use, long proven detrimental to one’s health, especially the heart.

What did the new study reveal?

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The number of U.S. adults who smoke marijuana has more than doubled since 2013, with 15% reporting use and at least 6% consuming edibles.

The study out of the University of California, San Francisco, looked at the impacts of smoking and ingesting tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the cardiovascular system. THC is the compound in marijuana that leads to the “high” feeling.

It found a link between impaired blood vessel function, which increases the risk of having a heart attack, and both smoking marijuana and consuming THC-laced edibles.

Researchers found healthy people who smoked or consumed THC regularly showed early signs of cardiovascular disease similar to tobacco smokers. They found vascular function was reduced by 42% in marijuana smokers and 56% in THC edible users.

How does this differ from previous studies?

In 2016, an American Heart Association study found exposure to marijuana smoke damages the blood vessels that supply oxygen to vital organs, but this new study is the first to look at its impact on the vascular system as a whole.

A different study published in March found cannabis users under the age of 50 are six times more likely to have a heart attack and have double the chance of heart failure.

An important note

The researchers behind this new study did say that correlation does not equal causation — meaning that while their findings show a strong link between THC and cardiovascular damage, they don’t prove it can be the sole cause.

“We can only state that the cannabis users have poor vascular function, not that cannabis use causes poor vascular function,” senior study author Matthew Springer told CNN.

Still, the study does challenge the long-held belief that smoking marijuana is a safer alternative to smoking tobacco.

Emma Stoltzfus (Producer/Video Editor) and Ali Caldwell (Motion Graphic Designer) contributed to this report.
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Why this story matters

A new study suggests that both smoking marijuana and consuming THC-laced edibles are linked to early signs of cardiovascular disease, challenging perceptions about the relative safety of marijuana compared to tobacco and raising public health considerations about widespread cannabis use.

Cardiovascular risks

Research from the University of California, San Francisco, found a link between regular marijuana use, whether smoked or ingested, and impaired vascular function similar to that observed in tobacco smokers, highlighting potential health risks that have previously been underestimated by the public.

Comparisons to tobacco

The study challenges the long-standing belief that marijuana is a safer alternative to tobacco, as cannabis users showed vascular impairment comparable to tobacco smokers, according to study findings and expert commentary.

Public health implications

Given the growing legalization and acceptance of marijuana, these findings urge calls for increased public awareness and further research to understand the potential long-term health effects, as emphasized by medical professionals and study authors.

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Synthesized coverage insights across 26 media outlets

Behind the numbers

The study cited found a 42% reduction in vascular function in marijuana smokers and 56% in THC-edible users compared to nonusers. Additional data suggest that daily marijuana use is associated with a 25% higher risk of heart attack and a 42% higher risk of stroke, showing potential health impacts for regular consumers of THC products.

Community reaction

Many consumers seek THC-infused products, often as alternatives to alcohol, with demand spanning age groups from the twenties to sixties. Retailers and brewery owners report rising popularity and expanding product lines, while medical professionals urge consumers to inform themselves about the risks and not assume THC drinks and alcohol have the same health profile.

Debunking

The researchers clarify that while their study found reduced vascular function among regular cannabis users, the study only demonstrates an association. According to lead author Matthew Springer, “We can only state that the cannabis users have poor vascular function, not that cannabis use causes poor vascular function,” emphasizing that causation has not been established.

Sources

  1. NPR
  2. Newsweek
  3. JAMA Cardiology
  4. Journal of the American Heart Association
  5. Health

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26 total sources

Key points from the Left

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Key points from the Center

  • A small February 2024 study led by researchers from UCSF found that individuals who regularly smoke marijuana or consume THC-infused edibles exhibit early indications of cardiovascular problems.
  • The study arose amid prior evidence linking marijuana use to cardiovascular disease, with participants grouped by marijuana smoking, THC edible use or nonuse for at least a year.
  • The study found vascular function reduced by 42% in smokers and 56% in THC-edible users versus nonusers, with damage worsening as marijuana use increased.
  • Lead author Dr. Mohammadi said cannabis use is “associated with poorer vascular function,” while senior author Springer emphasized the research shows association, not causation.
  • The findings suggest rising cardiovascular risks with more potent, frequent cannabis use and underline American Heart Association advice to avoid smoking or vaping any substance.

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Key points from the Right

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Sources

  1. NPR
  2. Newsweek
  3. JAMA Cardiology
  4. Journal of the American Heart Association
  5. Health