A UCSF study shows regular cannabis use, whether smoked or eaten, may impair cardiovascular health to a degree similar to tobacco. Published in JAMA Cardiology, the findings highlight potential risks that matter for Thai readers as the country debates cannabis policy and market growth.
In Thailand, cannabis reform began in 2022, with a rapid expansion of dispensaries, edibles, and wellness products. The new data from the United States adds scientific nuance to ongoing debates about benefits, risks, and regulation in a setting where public health messaging is still catching up with industry momentum. Data from Thai health authorities indicate a growing number of cannabis-related businesses, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Public health messaging has tended to emphasize economic opportunity and wellness, underscoring the need for balanced information about cardiovascular risks.
The UCSF study enrolled 55 adults who used cannabis regularly—at least three times per week for more than a year—while avoiding nicotine. Smokers averaged about a decade of use; edible users about five years. Both groups showed reduced vascular function compared with non-users. The impairment was substantial, with blood vessel flexibility and responsiveness diminished by about half. These results align with broader medical concerns about heart attack and hypertension risks associated with diminished vascular function.
Researchers found that smoking cannabis altered blood serum in ways that damaged the inner lining of blood vessels. This particular profile did not appear in edible users, suggesting different mechanisms depending on how THC is consumed. Yet both groups suffered similar declines in vascular function, indicating multiple pathways by which cannabis may affect the heart.
Lead author Dr. Leila Mohammadi noted that smoking marijuana affects vascular function differently from ingesting THC. Senior author Dr. Matthew L. Springer emphasized that chronic cannabis users should be considered at elevated cardiovascular risk until further research defines safe thresholds, if any exist. These statements come with a call for careful, nuanced public health guidance as cannabis policies evolve globally.
Experts outside the UCSF project stressed that cannabis is not harmless, especially for individuals with high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease. Public health communications should acknowledge both potential medical benefits and cardiovascular risks associated with chronic use.
For Thailand, the implications are significant. The country’s cannabis market has grown fast, with lounges, beverages, and edibles increasingly visible in urban and tourist hubs. Health authorities note the need for clearer consumer education and tighter regulation to prevent harm, alongside the economic opportunities touted by industry supporters.
Thai health professionals advocate practical steps: routine checks for blood pressure and cholesterol, particularly for people who use cannabis regularly; counseling on risk factors such as obesity and diabetes; and targeted messaging for younger adults who may underestimate long-term cardiovascular risks.
Looking ahead, researchers call for more work on dose-response relationships and recovery after cessation, as well as identifying vulnerable groups. Thai policymakers may need to factor these findings into rules on sales, advertising, and public awareness campaigns to protect heart health while navigating legalization and market growth.
For individual readers, the takeaway is: legalization does not equate to safety. Those considering regular cannabis use—recreational, wellness, or medical—should discuss cardiovascular risk with a healthcare professional, especially if risk factors are present. Ongoing research will shape guidance, but informed choices and routine health screening remain essential.
In this revised account, findings from UCSF are integrated with Thai context, ethical reporting is maintained, and all URLs and external links have been removed. The article presents a clear narrative about health implications, policy considerations, and practical steps for readers and regulators.