New research published in JAMA Cardiology has found that marijuana use can have a negative impact on vascular health, with smoking and edible consumption associated with reduced blood vessel function. The study, which tracked 55 patients aged 31.1 years old, found that chronic marijuana smokers had lower arterial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) measurements than non-users, while THC-based edible users showed similar reductions.
The researchers measured FMD, a key indicator of endothelial function, and found that increased use was linked to decreased values. However, pulse wave velocity and other measures of arterial pressure were not significantly different between groups. Additionally, marijuana smokers but not edible users showed reduced levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-stimulated nitric oxide production.
The study’s findings suggest that chronic marijuana smoking can have a comparable impact on vascular health as tobacco use. As cannabis legalization increases, it is essential to understand the public health implications of marijuana use and its potential effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Source: https://cardiovascularbusiness.com/topics/clinical/heart-health/marijuana-use-linked-blood-vessel-damage-impact-seen-smoking-and-edibles