Using cannabis when you’re young may increase your risk of developing heart disease later, according to a University of Guelph study.
In the first study to look at specific risk indicators for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in young, healthy cannabis users, researchers found increased arterial stiffness and lower cardiac function than in non-users.
“Cannabis is really widely used as a recreational substance all around the world,” said Christian Cheung, a PhD student in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences (HHNS). “Scientists haven’t done that research with cannabis.”
HHNS professors Dr. Jamie Burr and Dr. Philip Millar continue to lead studies of CVD impacts of cannabis use.