Latest news with #StantonGlantz
Health Line
18-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Cannabis Use May Double Risk of Death From Cardiovascular Disease, Study Finds
A new scientific analysis indicates that cannabis use may increase the risk of cardiovascular health issues, including stroke. In an accompanying editorial, two health experts say these risks are serious enough to warrant the regulation of cannabis in the same manner as tobacco. Previous research has reported on the health benefits of cannabis for people with chronic pain and other ailments, but experts say the potential effects of cannabis should be discussed with your doctor. Medical experts are sending out another strong warning about cannabis use and the risk of cardiovascular health issues. In an analysis published in the journal Heart, researchers report heightened risks of stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and death from cardiovascular disease associated with frequent cannabis use. In an accompanying editorial, two health experts say the dangers from cannabis use are serious enough to warrant the substance being regulated much like tobacco. The editorial authors say the warnings are particularly important because the recent widespread legalization of the drug may have convinced many people that cannabis use is safe. 'Frequent cannabis use has increased in several countries, and many users believe that it is a safe and natural way to relieve pain or stress. In contrast, a growing body of evidence links cannabis use to significant harms throughout life, including cardiovascular health of adults,' wrote Stanton Glantz, PhD, an emeritus professor at the University of California San Francisco, and Lynn Silver, MD, a professor in UCSF's Department of Epidemiology and a program director at the Public Health Institute in Oakland, CA. 'Specifically, cannabis should be treated like tobacco: not criminalized but discouraged, with protection of bystanders from secondhand exposure,' the editorial authors added. Robert Page II, PharmD, a professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and the Department of Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, noted the analysis relied on observational studies, but said the message is clear. 'This meta-analysis validates current large observation studies that cannabis should be considered a potential risk factor for premature development of ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease), said Page, who was chair of an American Heart Association writing group that authored a 2020 report on cannabis, medical cannabis, and heart health. Page wasn't involved in the present study. 'If we ignore these signals, we are destined to repeat the fatal history of cigarette smoking, which took years to finally realize its devastating effects on cardiovascular health and mortality,' he told Healthline. Cannabis and heart health In their analysis, researchers looked at 24 studies published between January 2016 and January 2023 that included about 200 million people. The study participants were mostly between the ages of 19 and 59. Cannabis use tended to be more frequent in males and in younger people. The researchers said their analysis of that data revealed that cannabis use doubled the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. They also reported that people who used cannabis had a 29% higher risk of acute coronary syndrome, a condition that causes sudden reduced or blocked blood flow to the heart, as well as a 20% higher risk of stroke. The researchers acknowledged that many of the studies they analyzed lacked information on missing data and had imprecise measures of cannabis exposure. Most of the studies were also observational. Nonetheless, their analysis comes less than a month after another study concluded that chronic use of cannabis is associated with a higher risk of endothelial dysfunction, a type of non-obstructive coronary artery disease in which there are no heart artery blockages but the large blood vessels on the heart's surface constrict instead of dilating. In addition, another analysis from earlier this year reported that cannabis users were six times more likely to have a heart attack than non-users. A 2024 study concluded that people who use cannabis to treat chronic pain had a higher risk of atrial fibrillation and other forms of heart arrhythmia. The researchers in the new analysis say their findings are particularly important because the use of cannabis has soared in recent years. They also note that the potency of the drug has increased. There was no delineation in the analysis, however, on the risks of smoking cannabis compared to ingesting it. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in California, said both methods may present health risks. Chen wasn't involved in the study. 'It is thought that ingesting THC increases systolic absorption of the chemical when compared to smoking THC and thus results in greater adverse effects,' he told Healthline. 'However, cannabis smoke comes with a separate set of health concerns, as the smoke contains many carcinogens and mutagens similar to tobacco smoke.' Ziva Cooper, the director of the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, said the frequency someone uses cannabis, as well as the dosage, are also important factors. Cooper was likewise not involved in the study. She noted that new research is starting to show there are mental health risks to frequent cannabis use. One of those is cannabis use disorder, a condition that is estimated to affect 30% of people who use the substance. 'There are new risks that are emerging that weren't even on the radar,' Cooper told Healthline. She added cannabis can also impair people's ability to drive as well as impair their cognitive abilities. 'These are things that can affect a person's everyday life,' Cooper said. Defending cannabis use Paul Armentano, the deputy director of NORML, a non-profit that advocates for the responsible use of cannabis, acknowledges there are studies that report health risks associated with cannabis use. Armentano wasn't involved in the study. However, he told Healthline there are others who conclude there is no risk or even a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease from cannabis use. These include a 2023 study, a 2020 study, and a 2023 meta-analysis. 'In short, while tobacco smoke exposure's role in cardiovascular disease is well established, the potential role of cannabis smoke is not,' Armentano said. 'Nonetheless, persons wishing to mitigate their intake of cannabis smoke can do so via the use of herbal vaporizers, which heat cannabinoids to the point of activation but below the point of combustion.' Armentano cited studies in 2006 and 2007 that reported no health effects from vaporization. Some research has reported on some overall health benefits derived from cannabis use. A 2023 study concluded that medical cannabis can improve the quality of life for some people with chronic pain. Other research has reported that cannabis can be helpful to people with depression, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are also indications that cannabis products can help ease the side effects of cancer treatments. Talking with your doctor about cannabis In their editorial, Glantz and Silver encourage medical professionals to become leaders in cannabis education. 'There is an important role for public health and public policy in addressing the risks identified [in the new analysis],' they wrote. 'While the trend toward legalization is established, that does not mean that the risks of cannabis use should be minimized or its use encouraged.' Page said he takes cannabis use into consideration when assessing his patients' cardiovascular health. 'While many of the current cardiovascular risk calculators do not include smoking cannabis into their algorithms, I do include it (just like smoking cigarettes) when assessing patients' cardiovascular risk and consider it just as powerful a risk factor as smoking cigarettes,' he said. Page added that people should be informed about the many potential health issues of cannabis use before deciding whether to use it. 'Know the risks and talk to your primary care provider before considering any use, medical or recreational. Many younger adults feel invincible and have the belief that 'This will not happen to me' or 'I could never develop cannabis use disorder.' However, it does and can occur,' he said. 'For older adults, I caution them regarding potential drug-drug interactions as both THC [tetrahydrocannabinol] and CBD [cannabidiol] can have effects on a large majority of medications, both pharmacokinetically and pharmacodynamically,' Page added. Chen agrees that patients need to educate themselves about cannabis before trying it. 'Any form of cannabis use does involve some risk to your health. Everyone must decide for themselves how much risk they want to expose themselves to,' said Chen. 'I would advise people to avoid smoking cannabis, as the smoke can directly harm the lungs. Also, patients with known pre-existing cardiovascular disease or with cardiovascular risk factors should consider avoiding cannabis use in general, given the potential harm to heart health,' he added. Cooper noted that cannabis has 500 different chemical components, so its effects can vary greatly from person to person.
Euronews
18-06-2025
- Health
- Euronews
Cannabis use doubles the risk of dying from heart disease, study finds
People who use cannabis or its synthetic cousin, cannabinoids, are twice as likely to die from heart problems as those who abstain from the drugs, new research has found. Recreational cannabis use remains illegal in most of Europe, but it is the region's most commonly used drug. An estimated 8.4 per cent of adults – 24 million people – used cannabis in the past year, according to the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA). Cannabis is generally stronger and more diverse than in past decades, with users having a choice between smoking marijuana, edibles, cannabis concentrates, and cannabinoids, which are synthetic psychoactive drugs with a high concentration of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis that makes people feel high. That has prompted concern about the potential health consequences of modern cannabis – and the new study, published in the journal Heart, is the latest to show they carry weight. In addition to the doubled mortality risks, cannabis use is tied to a 20 per cent higher risk of stroke and a 29 per cent higher risk of heart attacks or other types of acute coronary syndrome, which is when blood flow to the heart is severely restricted, the study found. The findings raise 'serious questions about the assumption that cannabis imposes little cardiovascular risk,' Stanton Glantz and Dr Lynn Silver, researchers at the University of California at San Francisco who were not involved with the study, said in a written comment. For the analysis, a French research team assessed real-world data from 24 studies conducted between 2016 and 2023. Most participants were between the ages of 19 and 59, and cannabis users were more likely to be younger and male compared with people who did not use the drug. Notably, most of the studies were observational, meaning researchers can't say that cannabis use causes heart problems directly. There was also a high risk of bias in most of the studies. More research is needed to understand exactly how cannabis is linked to heart problems, and whether the risks differ based on the type of cannabis someone uses. Despite the limitations, the study authors said their analysis is among the most comprehensive yet to probe the possible link between cannabis and heart problems in the real world. Glantz and Silver pushed for health warnings on cannabis products and protections against secondhand smoke exposure, particularly as countries relax their cannabis laws and the drug becomes more easily available. 'Cannabis needs to be incorporated into the framework for prevention of clinical cardiovascular disease,' they said. British lawmakers have voted to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales, following concerns about the number of women who are investigated for terminated pregnancies. The House of Commons approved an amendment — it passed 379-317 — to a broader crime bill that would prevent women from being criminally punished under an antiquated law dating back to the mid-19th century. Abortion has been legal in England and Wales for almost six decades but only up to 24 weeks and with the approval of two doctors. The amendment means that women who terminate their pregnancy after 24 weeks will no longer be investigated by the police. Medical professionals or anybody assisting a woman with an abortion outside outside the 24-week limit could still face prosecution. Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, the Labour member of Parliament who introduced one of the amendments, said the change was needed because police have investigated more than 100 women for suspected illegal abortions over the past five years, including some who suffered natural miscarriages and stillbirths. 'This piece of legislation will only take women out of the criminal justice system because they are vulnerable and they need our help,' she said. 'Just what public interest is this serving? This is not justice, it is cruelty and it has got to end.' The House of Commons will now need to pass the crime bill, which is expected, before it goes to the House of Lords, where it can be delayed but not blocked. Under current law, doctors can legally carry out abortions in England, Scotland and Wales up to 24 weeks, and beyond that under special circumstances, such as when the life of the mother is in danger. Abortion in Northern Ireland was decriminalised in 2019. Changes in the law implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic allow women to receive abortion pills through the mail and terminate their own pregnancies at home within 10 weeks of conception. That has led to a handful of widely publicised cases in which women were prosecuted for illegally obtaining abortion pills and using them to end their own pregnancies after 24 weeks or more. Anti-abortion groups opposed the measures, arguing it would open the door to abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy. 'Unborn babies will have any remaining protection stripped away, and women will be left at the mercy of abusers,' said Alithea Williams, public policy manager for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, which describes itself as the UK's biggest pro-life campaign group. The debate came after recent prosecutions have galvanised support to repeal parts of the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act. In one case, a mother of three was sentenced to more than two years in prison in 2023 for medically inducing an abortion about eight months into her pregnancy. Carla Foster, 45, was released about a month later by an appeals court that reduced her sentence. Judge Victoria Sharp said that case called for 'compassion, not punishment' and there was no useful purpose in jailing her. Last month, a jury acquitted Nicola Packer on a charge of unlawfully self-administering poison or a noxious thing with intent to procure a miscarriage. Packer, who took abortion medicine when she was about 26 weeks pregnant, testified that she did not know she had been pregnant more than 10 weeks. Supporters of the bill said it was a landmark reform that would keep women from going to prison for ending their pregnancy. 'At a time when we're seeing rollbacks on reproductive rights, most notably in the United States, this crucial milestone in the fight for reproductive rights sends a powerful message that our lawmakers are standing up for women,' said Louise McCudden of MSI Reproductive Choices.
Gulf Insider
18-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Cannabis Use Linked To A Doubled Risk Of Heart Disease Death, New Study Finds
With growing marijuana use across the country, studies have looked at the link between cannabis use and cardiovascular problems — but new research is showing the magnitude of such risk. In the study, published Tuesday in the journal Heart, researchers found cannabis use is linked to a doubled risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, a 29% higher risk for acute coronary syndrome and 20% higher risk for stroke. The authors analyzed data from 24 studies published from 2016 to 2023. 'Our results provide a fully comprehensive report of the recent situation towards the cardiovascular health of cannabis users,' the authors wrote, but added there were some study limitations, including potential imprecise dosage measurements. With recreational marijuana legal in 24 states, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is moving to reclassify the drug to a less dangerous category under the Controlled Substances Act. Daily marijuana users now outnumber daily drinkers for the first time ever, according to a Carnegie Mellon University report last year. The preference shift is largely being driven by young people. For example, 69% of people aged 18 to 24 prefer marijuana to alcohol, according to a 2022 survey by New Frontier Data, a cannabis research firm. Due to increased usage, the perception of risk around marijuana has declined, health experts Dr. Lynn Silver of the Public Health Institute and Stanton Glantz, emeritus professor of the University of California at San Francisco, write in an editorial note that was published alongside the research, but the results of the study highlight the potential health effects. In the note, the authors called for the drug to 'be treated like tobacco: not criminalized but discouraged,' including added protection of bystanders from secondhand exposure. They also called for more research on whether cardiovascular risks are limited to inhaled products, which made up the majority of cases in the meta-analysis, or extend to other forms of cannabis exposure.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cannabis use may double risk of heart disease death, study finds
With growing marijuana use across the country, studies have looked at the link between cannabis use and cardiovascular problems — but new research is showing the magnitude of such risk. In the study, published Tuesday in the journal Heart, researchers found cannabis use is linked to a doubled risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, a 29% higher risk for acute coronary syndrome and 20% higher risk for stroke. The authors analyzed data from 24 studies published from 2016 to 2023. "Our results provide a fully comprehensive report of the recent situation towards the cardiovascular health of cannabis users," the authors wrote, but added there were some study limitations, including potential imprecise dosage measurements. With recreational marijuana legal in 24 states, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is moving to reclassify the drug to a less dangerous category under the Controlled Substances Act. Daily marijuana users now outnumber daily drinkers for the first time ever, according to a Carnegie Mellon University report last year. The preference shift is largely being driven by young people. For example, 69% of people aged 18 to 24 prefer marijuana to alcohol, according to a 2022 survey by New Frontier Data, a cannabis research firm. Due to increased usage, the perception of risk around marijuana has declined, health experts Dr. Lynn Silver of the Public Health Institute and Stanton Glantz, emeritus professor of the University of California at San Francisco, write in an editorial note that was published alongside the research, but the results of the study highlight the potential health effects. In the note, the authors called for the drug to "be treated like tobacco: not criminalized but discouraged," including added protection of bystanders from secondhand exposure. They also called for more research on whether cardiovascular risks are limited to inhaled products, which made up the majority of cases in the meta-analysis, or extend to other forms of cannabis exposure. Teen questioned after family's quadruple murder Congressional members seek $1 billion for security after deadly lawmaker shootings Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hospitalized after allergic reaction
CBS News
17-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Cannabis use linked to a doubled risk of heart disease death, new study finds
New study links marijuana use to increased risk of heart attack and stroke With growing marijuana use across the country, studies have looked at the link between cannabis use and cardiovascular problems — but new research is showing the magnitude of such risk. In the study, published Tuesday in the journal Heart, researchers found cannabis use is linked to a doubled risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, a 29% higher risk for acute coronary syndrome and 20% higher risk for stroke. The authors analyzed data from 24 studies published from 2016 to 2023. "Our results provide a fully comprehensive report of the recent situation towards the cardiovascular health of cannabis users," the authors wrote, but added there were some study limitations, including potential imprecise dosage measurements. With recreational marijuana legal in 24 states, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is moving to reclassify the drug to a less dangerous category under the Controlled Substances Act. Daily marijuana users now outnumber daily drinkers for the first time ever, according to a Carnegie Mellon University report last year. The preference shift is largely being driven by young people. For example, 69% of people aged 18 to 24 prefer marijuana to alcohol, according to a 2022 survey by New Frontier Data, a cannabis research firm. Due to increased usage, the perception of risk around marijuana has declined, health experts Dr. Lynn Silver of the Public Health Institute and Stanton Glantz, emeritus professor of the University of California at San Francisco, write in an editorial note that was published alongside the research, but the results of the study highlight the potential health effects. In the note, the authors called for the drug to "be treated like tobacco: not criminalized but discouraged," including added protection of bystanders from secondhand exposure. They also called for more research on whether cardiovascular risks are limited to inhaled products, which made up the majority of cases in the meta-analysis, or extend to other forms of cannabis exposure.
