With more and more states legalizing cannabis, an easy misconception to make is that consuming it is completely safe. As research increases on the topic, users are paying more attention to the risks and benefits of cannabis by asking important questions like, “can weed cause heart problems?” The answer fully depends on the habits of the individual.
Can Weed Cause Heart Problems?
In the early days of the weed industry, one joint may have had only five percent THC. In the Golden Age of Weed that we are currently living in, however, brands can infuse a one-gram joint with over 80% THC. The high potency is part of the issue that has researchers suspecting that cannabis could likely cause heart problems.
In a recent study, scientists found that cannabis was a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The researchers’ studied human data from the UK Biobank, they also tested mice to find out why cannabis effects heart health.
The level of risk depends both on how frequently you’re ingesting cannabis and how high the dose is. “If the patient is taking medical marijuana, or recreational, at a reasonable dose, it’s fine,” says Dr. Joseph Wu, the lead author of the study.
Photo by Luan Rezende from Pexels
A Possible Solution
While the researchers confirmed that weed can cause heart problems, they also explored the possibility of a supplement that could lower the risk. Authors of the study found that Genistein, a soybean derivative, could potentially mitigate inflammation when taken as a supplement. More research is required before the supplement could become a real solution.
Can Weed Cause Heart Problems? : Conclusion
Like anything, moderation is key. While the public considers cannabis to be completely safe, it can cause serious heart problems if done in excess. The authors of the study suggest purchasing your cannabis from licensed vendors, assessing your intake habits, and considering lower doses of THC.