Many pot smokers maintain that marijuana is beneficial for their health. However, according to new research this may not be the case. Two unpublished studies recently presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia found that people who smoked marijuana – but not cigarettes – were at a greater risk of three major health issues.
1 Cigarette Smokers Were Excluded From the Study
"What is unique about our study is that patients who were using tobacco were excluded because cannabis and tobacco are sometimes used together, therefore, we were able to specifically examine cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes," lead study author Dr. Avilash Mondal, a resident physician at Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, said in a statement.
2 One Study Found Marijuana Users Are More Likely to Suffer Heart Attack or Stroke
In the first study, researchers learned that the 8,535 adults who abused weed had a 20 percent greater risk of having a major heart or brain event while hospitalized, compared to over 10 million older hospitalized adults who did not use the substance.
3 Another Study Found Marijuana Users Are More Likely to Experience Heart Failure
The second study found that risk of heart failure rose with marijuana users. Researchers followed nearly 160,000 adults with a median age of 54 for about four years. They found that daily marijuana users had a 34% increased risk of developing heart failure, compared to those who reported never using marijuana.
4 A Third Study Linked Daily Marijuana Use to Coronary Artery Disease
A third study published earlier this year also found a link between daily marijuana use and coronary artery disease risk. Those who smoked were a third more likely to suffer.
RELATED: 2 Alternatives That Are Just As Beneficial as Walking 10,000 Steps
5 Researchers Need to Continue Studying the Impact of Marijuana on Health
"Prior research shows links between marijuana use and cardiovascular disease like coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, which is known to cause heart failure," Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, a resident physician at Medstar Health in Baltimore, lead author of the heart failure study, said in a statement "Our results should encourage more researchers to study the use of marijuana to better understand its health implications, especially on cardiovascular risk," Bene-Alhasan said.
Leah Groth Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. Read moreFiled UnderHealth Advice • NewsRead This NextEverything You Need to Know About Ikigai, The New Hygge
Meet the next "life philosophy" trend sweeping the globe.October 17, 201730 Life Changes You Should Make After 30
You're too old to skip those doctors visits.February 20, 2018This Is Why Lying Is Good for You
A little fib never hurt anyone—in fact, lying may be good for you.March 26, 2018How I Look 15 Years Younger—And How You Can, Too
The plan is easy, effective, and works for everyone.August 30, 2018The Secret to Raising Healthy Kids
Hint: It's one of the oldest family traditions in the book. December 15, 201740 Genius Ways to Have More Energy After 40
Revamp your diet, lifestyle, and work habits for more energy—instantly.August 14, 201820 Surprising Reasons Your Hair is Thinning
Plus proven tricks to get your mane back on track.May 15, 2018The 7 Best Luxury Fitness Vacations
Thinking outside the beach? Try one of these amazing getaways.February 19, 2018Is It Possible to Die of a Broken Heart?
Separating the science from the poetryOctober 1, 2018Here's How Hollywood Director Kevin Smith Lost a Staggering 51 Pounds
He went from 256 to 205 pounds by following a largely plant-based diet. August 27, 2018
