In the past few years, the use of cannabis has experienced a dramatic increase across the United States, driven by recent legislative changes legalizing both recreational and medicinal use of the plant in various forms. This includes, but is not limited to, edibles such as cookies, brownies and gummies, as well as THC-infused beverages, which have gained popularity for their psychoactive properties without the harmful effects of smoking. However, as the pendulum swings towards the acceptance of cannabis in society, two recent studies have brought to light potential drawbacks that could have serious implications for public health, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health. These studies will be presented at the American Heart Association’s 2023 Scientific Sessions, a prestigious convention where the latest research and developments in cardiovascular health are showcased to a global audience. The first study was conducted by a team of researchers at MedStar Health, a major healthcare provider in Baltimore. The team meticulously studied data collected from over 150,000 participants who, at the start of the study were free from heart failure. The study spanned over four years, with researchers tracking the health outcomes of the participants and correlating these outcomes with their self-reported cannabis use. What the MedStar researchers discovered was a significant correlation between daily cannabis use and heart failure. Those participants who reported using cannabis daily had a 34% higher risk of developing heart failure compared to those who had never used the drug. Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, the lead author of the study and a physician at Medstar, expressed the hope that these findings will enable health professionals and cannabis consumers to make more educated decisions regarding cannabis use. A second study brought more alarming news. A multidisciplinary group of researchers from multiple institutions, including Adelphi University in New York, examined hospitalization records from more than 10 million adults aged over 65. The selected participants for this study did not smoke tobacco and already had existing health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. The researchers, while analyzing the data, were particularly interested in determining whether cannabis use, reported by more than 28,000 of the patients, had any impact on complications during their hospital stays. They found a significant correlation, with those who have a dependency on cannabis more likely to experience severe heart issues, including heart attacks or strokes. As of now, recreational cannabis use is legal in 24 states, while medicinal use is allowed in 38 states. Recently, Ohio voters approved the recreational use of the substance in a 57% to 43% vote. However, the long-term health effects of cannabis use are still largely unknown, making it a pressing issue for medical professionals across the country and the world. This challenge is further underscored by the American Heart Association’s 2023 Statistical Update, which revealed that heart failure affects 6.7 million people in the U.S. alone and particularly impacts Black adults. Previous research has also found that communities that were exposed to redlining, a discriminatory lending practice, had higher rates of stroke, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and premature mortality due to heart disease. These findings underscore the urgent need for more comprehensive studies to understand the long-term effects of cannabis use on the body and particularly on heart health.

You might be interested in exploring more about the effects of cannabis on heart health. Speaking of cannabis and heart health, you might be interested in Cannabis (drug) on Wikipedia, which provides a comprehensive overview of the drug and its various forms. Additionally, to gain more insights into heart failure and its impact, you might want to check out Heart failure on Wikipedia, which delves into the causes, symptoms, and management of this condition. Understanding the long-term effects of cannabis use on the body, especially heart health, is crucial