A new study by UC San Francisco researchers has found that chronic cannabis use can lead to significant cardiovascular risks, regardless of whether it’s smoked or consumed in edible form. The study, published May 28 in JAMA Cardiology, involved 55 people who regularly used marijuana and found that those who smoked had reduced blood vessel function comparable to tobacco smokers. Vascular function was reduced by half compared to non-users.
The researchers also discovered that marijuana use can cause changes in the blood serum that are harmful to endothelial cells, which line all blood vessels. However, edibles containing THC did not display these changes. The study suggests that smoking marijuana affects vascular function through different mechanisms than ingesting THC.
This finding highlights the potential health risks associated with chronic cannabis use and emphasizes the need for further research into the long-term effects of marijuana on cardiovascular health.
Source: https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2025/05/430051/whether-its-smoking-or-edibles-marijuana-bad-your-heart