**Newly published research highlights a link between cannabis use disorder and a heightened risk of negative cardiovascular incidents.** A Canadian investigation recently published in the authoritative journal named Addiction has revealed that individuals suffering from cannabis use disorder, popularly known as CUD, face a significantly higher risk of experiencing detrimental cardiovascular events. The study points towards an alarming correlation, demonstrating that the risk is as high as 60% more in comparison to individuals who do not battle with CUD. These adverse cardiovascular incidents encompass severe conditions such as myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack, and cerebrovascular accidents, frequently referred to as strokes. The dedicated team of authors behind the study speculate that this notable discrepancy in health risk could likely be attributable to the negative impacts of cannabis on critical aspects of cardiovascular health, namely, the heart and the intricate network of blood vessels. The researchers underscored the importance of understanding the effects of cannabis on the cardiovascular system, given its increasing acceptance and usage worldwide. Cannabis, the botanical name for a plant that yields marijuana and other related drugs, has been progressively legalized and normalized in several countries and states, including Canada, where the study was conducted. The rising trend in its usage for both medicinal and recreational purposes has led to increasing concerns about its potential health implications. While the plant’s medicinal properties have been acknowledged, especially in the context of managing chronic pain and some neurological disorders, scientists and medical practitioners are coming to apprehend the potential risks and adverse effects associated with its use. Cannabis use disorder, or CUD, is a condition defined by the problematic and compulsive use of cannabis. Patients with CUD exhibit a strong craving for the drug, have difficulty in controlling its usage, and continue to use it despite experiencing negative consequences. This disorder is highly prevalent, with an estimated 22.1 million people worldwide dealing with it, according to a study published in The Lancet Psychiatry. Given that cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death globally, the findings of the Canadian study are significant. If the correlation between cannabis use disorder and a higher incidence of adverse cardiovascular events is further affirmed by future research, it could lead to important changes in how cannabis is prescribed and used medically, and how its recreational use is regulated. In light of these potentially serious health implications, the authors of the study underscore the need for healthcare providers to consider cannabis use history as part of patients’ cardiovascular risk assessment. They also advocate for increased public and professional awareness regarding the potential cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, particularly in individuals struggling with cannabis use disorder. In conclusion, the study highlights the potential risks of CUD and serves as a reminder of the importance of careful and responsible cannabis use. As more jurisdictions continue to legalize and normalize cannabis, more research will be needed to fully understand and manage the associated health risks and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of users.

A recent study published in the journal Addiction has found that individuals suffering from cannabis use disorder (CUD) face a significantly higher risk of experiencing detrimental cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents, compared to individuals who do not battle with CUD ¹. The study, conducted in Canada, revealed that the risk is as high as 60% more in comparison to non-CUD individuals ¹. The dedicated team of authors behind the study speculate that this notable discrepancy in health risk could likely be attributable to the negative impacts of cannabis on critical aspects of cardiovascular health, namely, the heart and the intricate network of blood vessels ¹.

The researchers underscored the importance of understanding the effects of cannabis on the cardiovascular system, given its increasing acceptance and usage worldwide ¹. While the plant’s medicinal properties have been acknowledged, especially in the context of managing chronic pain and some neurological disorders, scientists and medical practitioners are coming to apprehend the potential risks and adverse effects associated with its use ¹. Cannabis use disorder, or CUD, is a condition defined by the problematic and compulsive use of cannabis ¹. Patients with CUD exhibit a strong craving for the drug and may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit ¹.

Learn more:

1. addictionjournal.org2. bhf.org.uk3. acc.org4. eurekalert.org5. heart.org6. healthline.com7. nypost.com8. medicalnewstoday.com9. frontiersin.org10. onlinelibrary.wiley.com