Marijuana use has become increasingly mainstream in recent years as many countries and states have legalized its use for medical and recreational purposes. However, there are concerns about the potential health effects of using marijuana, especially when it comes to its effects on the heart. 

While it is widely recognized that smoking cigarettes is harmful to heart health, many people wonder if smoking weed is any better. In this article, we explore the relationship between cannabis and heart health.

First, it’s important to understand how marijuana affects the body. Marijuana contains many chemicals, including THC, which is the psychoactive component that produces the sensation of being “high”. When marijuana is smoked, the THC quickly enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it can produce a range of effects. However, it also affects other parts of the body, including the heart.

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The effects of marijuana on heart health

Studies have found that using marijuana can cause an increase in heart rate. This is because THC stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. When this system is activated, it can cause the heart to beat faster and harder. This can be particularly concerning for people with existing heart conditions or those who are at risk of heart disease.

In addition to increasing heart rate, marijuana can also cause a drop in blood pressure. This is because THC can cause the blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. While this may not be a problem for some people, it can be dangerous for those with low blood pressure or who are taking medication to lower their blood pressure.

Another concern is the potential for marijuana to cause heart rhythm disturbances. Studies have found that using cannabis can cause changes in the electrical activity of the heart, which can lead to arrhythmias. This can be particularly dangerous for people with existing heart conditions or those who are at risk of heart disease.

Research suggests that using marijuana may also increase the risk of heart attack, particularly in the hour after use. This is because THC can cause the coronary arteries to narrow, reducing blood flow to the heart and potentially causing a heart attack. The risk of heart attack may be higher in older people and those with existing heart conditions.

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The respiratory effects of smoking marijuana

Smoking marijuana can damage the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, but research shows that it may be less harmful to the lungs than smoking cigarettes. 

Many of the results on this topic are mixed and inconclusive, largely because of insufficient research to date. But it’s been found that regular marijuana smoking can damage the large airways of the lungs and cause some of the symptoms of chronic bronchitis, like coughing and wheezing. And while some studies suggest that smoking cannabis does not increase the risk of lung cancer, others show that it may increase the risk with long-term and heavy use. Inhaling deeply and holding cannabis smoke in the lungs may also expose people to carcinogens, and tar. 

Still, while smoking marijuana can result in respiratory problems, it seems to be less harmful to the lungs than smoking tobacco. Nevertheless, it’s recommended that cannabis consumers look at alternative methods such as edibles or vaporization, to minimize the potential risks to the respiratory system.

So is marijuana any better for the heart than cigarettes?

While there is still much research to be done, the evidence suggests that the answer may be no. While smoking cigarettes is certainly worse for heart health overall, using marijuana can still have negative effects on the heart and cardiovascular system. 

That being said, there are some potential benefits to using marijuana for medical purposes. For example, it may help to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. It’s important for anyone considering using marijuana for medical reasons to talk to their doctor first to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for their specific needs.

How to protect your heart if you choose to use marijuana

So, what can you do to protect your heart if you choose to use marijuana? First, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to use marijuana in moderation. If you have any underlying heart conditions or are at risk of heart disease, you should talk to your doctor before using marijuana. It may also be a good idea to explore alternative forms of cannabis consumption that do not involve smoking, such as edibles or tinctures.

Summary

While the relationship between marijuana and heart health is still being studied, the evidence suggests that using marijuana can have negative effects on the heart and cardiovascular system. With that said, there are benefits to using marijuana, like reduced anxiety and improved sleep. So if you choose to use it, make sure you do so in moderation, and talk to your doctor to address any concerns. By being informed and taking steps to protect your heart, you can help promote your overall health and well-being. 

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References

Tashkin, D. P. (2013). Effects of marijuana smoking on the lung. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 10(3), 239-247. https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201212-127FR 

Mittleman, M. A., Lewis, R. A., Maclure, M., Sherwood, J. B., & Muller, J. E. (2001). Triggering myocardial infarction by marijuana. Circulation, 103(23), 2805-2809. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.103.23.2805 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11401936/ 

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Marijuana. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/marijuana 

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, April 13). What are marijuana’s effects on other aspects of physical health? https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-effects-on-other-aspects-of-physical-health 

Sidney, S. (2017). Cardiovascular consequences of marijuana use. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 57(2), 171-178. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12412838/ 

Jouanjus, E., Lapeyre-Mestre, M., & Micallef, J. (2014). Cannabis use: signal of increasing risk of serious cardiovascular disorders. Journal of the American Heart Association, 3(2), e000638. doi:10.1161/JAHA.113.000638 https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.113.000638