Dozens of states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana in recent years, creating one of the most radical cultural shifts the United States has seen in quite some time.
The long-term effects of legalization, however, remain a mystery. Two senior cardiologists are now urging their colleagues to conduct more research to understand how this trend may affect Americans’ heart health over time. Will legalization lead to more major adverse cardiovascular events? What should cardiologists tell their patients when the topic comes up in conversation? These are just some of the questions that other research can help address.
Cannabis use has been linked to certain health benefits. However, they add that it has also been linked to a variety of cardiovascular complications, including myocardial infarction, stroke and congestive heart failure. With recreational marijuana use now legal in about half of the country, should cardiologists expect a dramatic increase in the number of patients experiencing these adverse events?
While many studies have shown an increase in cardiovascular events among people who use marijuana, and some studies have shown an increase in mortality, an important question is whether legalization of marijuana would lead to an increase in cardiovascular events and/or mortality in any state