Chronic cannabis use, whether smoked or ingested, impairs arterial function—an early red flag for cardiovascular disease. Digest
Although often perceived as benign, cannabis—particularly when smoked—may pose underrecognized risks to vascular health. Like tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke contains numerous toxic compounds and fine particles known to impair cardiovascular function. A recent study found that regular cannabis users had roughly 40% lower arterial function than nonusers, raising concerns about the long-term vascular consequences of chronic use.
In this cross-sectional study, researchers categorized 55 healthy adults aged 18 to 50 as chronic marijuana smokers, regular users of edible tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, and nonusers. They assessed vascular health using two established measures: arterial flow-mediated dilation (the ability of blood vessels to widen in response to increased blood flow) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (a measure of arterial stiffness). They also assessed how each participant's blood serum affected nitric oxide production in cultured human endothelial cells.
You just missed this in your inbox
Every other week our Premium Members received this exact study plus Rhonda's practical commentary and 8+ other hand-picked papers.
Marijuana smokers and edible THC users both showed impaired vascular function. On average, marijuana smokers had 6% arterial dilation, while edible users averaged 4.6%—substantially lower than the 10.4% observed in nonusers. In cell culture experiments, serum from cannabis smokers markedly reduced nitric oxide production, whereas serum from edible users had no such effect. Higher frequency of smoking and greater THC consumption were both linked to worse vascular outcomes.
These findings suggest that chronic cannabis use—whether smoked or ingested—may promote compromised endothelial function, a known early marker of cardiovascular disease. Compounds in cannabis can also pass into breast milk, potentially harming infants. Learn more in this clip featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.