Researchers, Kamel, I (et.al.), conducted a retrospective study of patient health records (N= 4,636,628), from 2010 – 2018, for subjects aged 50 years and younger. The large cohort was separated into two groups, those with a cannabis use diagnosis (N=93,267) and non-users (N=4,543,361). Research made sure there was no bias from a pre-existing condition or risk factors. When compared to non-user group, findings for the cannabis use were:

• 15-fold prevalence for depressive episodes
• 6-fold greater risk of Myocardial Infarction (MI)
• 4-fold greater risk of a stroke
• 3-fold greater risk of a Major Adverse Cardiac Event (MACE)
• 2-fold greater risk of heart failure

Of interest here is the time frame used for the analysis of 2010 – 2018. Even during the early days of legalization, the authors observed the significance of this in that, “This analysis provides evidence linking cannabis-use to adverse cardiovascular events, including MI, ischemic, stroke, heart, failure, and mortality.”

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The authors, (Han, B. et.al.) call upon medical providers to be proactive and to routinely inquire of their geriatric patients concerning any cannabis use to make informed choices for patient care.

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The CDC provides straight forward recommendations for consumers, healthcare providers and for cannabis retailers and producers; all aimed at increasing the awareness of the potential health risks associated to Delta-8 products. 

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Published by permission of the CDC

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This study used air monitoring devices to measure the particulate matter (PM) produced from smoking marijuana in a bong, in a series of sessions, in a room roughly about 210 sq.ft. This would equate to a small to moderate sized living room. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a safe air-quality standard threshold of 35 micrograms of PM exposure in this type of environment. The study showed that during the first 10 minutes of residential marijuana smoking from a bong, the marijuana PM levels exceeded the EPA limits and worsened by 100 to 1,000-fold. More so than tobacco smoke. Potentially placing both smokers and non-smokers (guests or children) at risk for adverse health conditions from protracted exposures. 

A key takeaway is that the lack of conclusive evidence of harm from secondhand marijuana smoke now, does not mean that it is harmless in the long run. It took decades to understand the adverse health implications of smoking tobacco, exposure to its smoke and the resulting shift in social norms. Science must be allowed the time to conduct valid research to address this and other emerging issues with marijuana, so we have a better understanding of the health implications (positive or negative) presented by this drug. 

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During a three year period and out of over 113,000 PCI patients, 3,970 patients were identified as being marijuana users. In reviewing the medical histories those that used marijuana and underwent a PCI procedure had a greater risk (odds ratio) for bleeding (1.54) and strokes (11.01). The authors stress that both clinicians and patients who use marijuana need to be aware of these increased risks for post-PCI adverse outcomes. 

Study citation:  J Am Coll Cardiol Intv. 2021 Aug, 14 (16) 1757–1767

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