In several states of the United States, marijuana is legal. Cannabis sativa, the plant used to produce marijuana, is known for its fastest acting effects. marijuana smoking contains many of the same carcinogens, allergens and toxins found in cigarette smoke. Many people wonder if marijuana smoke has the same effects as cigarette smoking, which is known to cause cancer and heart disease.

Marijuana is cultivated and used in the United States for over 6,000 years. Unfortunately, the effects of marijuana on the heart, and other body systems, have not been thoroughly studied. Partly, this is because cannabis is classified under federal law as a Schedule I substance. It is currently not accepted as a medicinal drug, and it has a high potential for abuse. Scientists claim that the restrictions that marijuana has on its status make it difficult to do rigorous research.

Due to this, you should take any claims about the effects of marijuana with caution until further research has been completed.

Marijuana and Cardiovascular Health

Scientists seem to agree on one thing about marijuana and cardiovascular disease: people with heart disease, who are stressed out, may feel chest pain faster if they’ve recently smoked pot. Cannabinoids interact with the cardiovascular system in a complex way, including increasing the resting heartbeat, expanding blood vessels and intensifying heart contractions. According to research, the risk of a heart attacks increases in the hour after marijuana use.

Anyone with a heart history should be worried, even if they have a low cardiovascular risk. The evidence is not as strong, but there are correlations between marijuana use and an increased risk of stroke or atrial fibrillation. These connections are also supported by studies that show marijuana use can increase the death rate of heart attack survivors over time.

Cannabis may cause: