A new medical study is putting marijuana use under the microscope again, and this time it’s your heart health in the hot seat. Published in JAMA Cardiology, the research raises red flags about how THC—whether smoked or eaten—could quietly be messing with your blood vessels.
Researchers studied 55 adults, comparing regular THC users with non-users. All participants avoided tobacco and secondhand smoke, letting scientists focus squarely on marijuana’s impact. What they found? People who consumed THC had significantly reduced blood vessel function.
This condition, known as endothelial dysfunction, is when the lining of the blood vessels stops working properly. Over time, it can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk for serious heart issues like heart attacks.
The study revealed a 42% drop in vascular performance among marijuana smokers and a surprising 56% decline among edible users. That suggests it’s not just the smoke—it’s the THC too. Even more concerning, previous research showed that even marijuana smoke with no THC can harm the heart, which points to a dangerous one-two punch: the smoke and the substance.
While researchers aren’t ready to call THC the sole culprit, they’re clear that something in marijuana use is affecting cardiovascular health—and not in a good way.
Bottom line: Whether you’re lighting up or snacking on an edible, your heart might be quietly taking a hit.
