As Prescribed: Cannabis use linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – There seems to be a longstanding belief among pot smokers that marijuana is not just better than tobacco but it's actually good for you.

But a recent UCSF study shows that smoking cannabis is bad for your heart and can cause heart disease or stroke.

"Cannabis is being marketed to the public as a harmless herb and not only it isn't harmful but it might be good for you. But we know from a large body of research that inhaled particulate matter is harmful to human health," Dr. Salomeh Keyhani, professor of medicine with the UCSF School of Medicine and lead author of the study, told KCBS' Patti Reising on "As Prescribed."

"We know that it causes inflammation and vascular disfunction and we know that it is associated with increased risk of myocardial infraction, stroke and heart disease," Dr. Keyhani added. "There's no reason to believe that smoking cannabis is any different."

The study found daily cannabis users have a 25% increased risk of heart attack and a 42% increased risk of stroke compared to non-users.  But you don't need to be a daily smoker to be at risk.

"We found that even using cannabis one or twice a week was associated with increased risk," said Dr. Keyhani. "It was a smaller risk, but there was some risk."

Cannabis users who prefer edibles over smoking are at danger of heart issues, too. Although the study didn't have a big enough sample size of those who only use edibles to conclusively prove it, Dr. Keyhani said there's reason to believe they are at risk as well.

"Tetrahydrocannabinol [also known as THC], that is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, has been show to have dynamic effects. It impacts heart rate, blood pressure, and there have been reports of arrythmias associated with cannabis use," she said.

Listen to this week's "As Prescribed" to learn more. You can also listen to last week's episode to learn about the healing power of music and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland Music Therapy Program, here .

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