Cannabis Use May Increase Risk of Coronary Artery Disease

A new study presented at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session Together With the World Congress of Cardiology has revealed that people who use marijuana daily are about 33% more likely to develop coronary artery disease (CAD) than those who have never used the drug.^[0] The finding suggests that marijuana use may not be entirely without harm and may be a cause of cardiovascular disease.

The study, which has not yet been published, used data from the All of Us Research Program at the National Institutes of Health, detailing the health and habits of 175,000 individuals while adjusting for age, sex and major cardiovascular risk factors.^[1] The analysis revealed that individuals with cannabis use disorder are more likely to develop CAD, while monthly cannabis consumption does not increase the risk of the disease.

To further investigate the link between marijuana use and CAD, researchers employed Mendelian randomization, a genetics-based method.^[2] This approach examines genetic markers in order to establish causal relationships between behaviors.^[3] In this case, the team looked at genetic markers that lead to cannabis use disorder — a psychiatric condition leading to frequent cannabis use and dependency — and CAD.

The interplay between the plant’s psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and receptors in the heart and blood vessels may promote inflammation and the buildup of plaque, ultimately leading to CAD.^[4] However, the same effects would not necessarily be expected with the use of cannabidiol (CBD), another active ingredient in cannabis and hemp which is commonly extracted for products that do not contain THC.^[1]

The researchers suggested that cannabis users should inform doctors of their marijuana use when monitoring heart conditions because it could play an important factor in their treatment.^[5] The findings of this study could potentially provide a better understanding of the molecular pathways connecting marijuana use and heart disease, which could consequently lead to new ways of preventing or treating heart disease.^[2]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the long-term health effects of marijuana use may be linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and other vascular diseases, but not as much so as smoking tobacco. Cannabis smoking has the potential to harm lung tissue and cause scarring and injury to blood vessels.^[4]

Despite the potential risks involved, marijuana use is becoming increasingly popular.^[6] In 2021, 43% of young adults (aged 19 to 30) reported using marijuana, according to a survey published by the National Institutes of Health. This is a 34% increase over the previous five years.^[4]

0. “Daily use of marijuana raises risk of heart disease, study finds” WDJT, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.cbs58.com/news/daily-use-of-marijuana-raises-risk-of-heart-disease-study-finds

1. “Study: Daily marijuana use linked to heart disease” UPI News, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2023/02/24/marijuana-cannabis-heart-disease-CAD/3991677263645

2. “New Research Reveals Previously Unrecognized Effects Of Marijuana On The Heart – You ‘Should Take That Into Account’ Before Consuming Cannabis” Revyuh, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.revyuh.com/news/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/new-research-reveals-previously-unrecognized-effects-of-marijuana-on-the-heart-you-should-take-that-into-account-before-consuming-cannabis/

3. “Daily cannabis use linked to spike in coronary artery disease” New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2023, https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/daily-cannabis-coronary-artery-disease/

4. “Marijuana Use Could Increase Chances For Heart Disease, Study Suggests” Forbes, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/02/24/marijuana-use-could-increase-chances-for-heart-disease-study-suggests

5. “Daily marijuana users are more likely to take this health hit, a new study finds” Yahoo! Voices, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/now/daily-marijuana-users-more-likely-175149076.html

6. “Daily cannabis use increases risk of heart disease, study finds” newsindiatimes.com, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.newsindiatimes.com/daily-cannabis-use-increases-risk-of-heart-disease-study-finds