A recent study revealed Marijuana legalization may lead to higher admissions in hospitals for serious cardiac diseases.
As per the latest study, scientists analysed over 50 million hospital discharge records from 2012 to 2018, comparing Western US states, comparing Western US states, where recreational marijuana sales started in 2014, with other regions.
The study, led by Dr. Samuel Slavin of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, found that hospital admissions for multiple severe cardiac conditions increased faster after legalization.
For each year of recreational marijuana sales, hospital admission rates were nearly 4% raised risk for heart failure, 3% higher for heart attacks and slightly more than 2% higher for atrial fibrillation, a condition that causes arrhythmias, irregular heart rhythm.
Admissions related to stroke, deep vein blood clots and tachycardia, characterised by an abnormally fast heartbeat, also increased.
However, these findings were not statistically significant.
Researchers cautioned that the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between marijuana legalization and cardiovascular problems.
It is pertinent to mention other factors have also contributed to the observed trends.
Nevertheless, the findings raise concerns regarding the possible cardiovascular consequences of recreational marijuana legalization.
Scientists strongly advised a cautious approach to legalization and called for continued monitoring of cardiovascular health outcomes to improve understanding of the possible risks linked to marijuana use.
Research underscores the need for additional study into the relationship between cannabis access and heart health, especially as more regions consider changes to their marijuana policies.
