contributing to additional risk to heart health.
“There’s been a tremendous increase in the amount of THC and as a result, a lot of the assumptions and knowledge that we thought we had about the public health implications of widespread cannabis use really don’t apply to what’s going on today,” Ladha says.
Dr. Scott Krakower, an attending psychiatrist at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, N.Y., reviewed the findings and agrees that “biologically there’s definitely a risk between heavy pot smokers and the heart.”
The extent of that risk will become clearer over time, as more people in states with recreational marijuana partake of the drug.
“It’s hard to say 100% what’s going to happen,” Krakower says. “You’re going to see the results 15 years from now.”
For his part, Earleywine hopes the study serves as a reminder about the importance of good heart health.
“I do hope these data might inspire everyone to improve their diets, exercise more regularly, and take a few moments each day to decrease their stress,” he shares.” But I fear these results will be misinterpreted as some sort of rationale to return to prohibition.”
READ: FDA Tells Three Small E-Cigarette Makers to Stop Selling Flavored Products
Tips for marijuana users
If you are using marijuana, remember the following:
- Make sure the weed is not causing any detrimental effects to your mental functioning (learning, memory, and performance).
- Only use weed from trusted sources.
- Think about how it may be affecting your lungs if you are smoking (you may opt for weed in an edible form instead).
- Try to limit consumption.
Additionally, although weed can have many medical and health benefits, it can also cause harm in some. If you notice any concerning changes to your health you should stop using weed and consult your doctor.