Study Finds Cannabis May Benefit The Heart

As the conversation about rescheduling marijuana continues, science increasingly supports the medical benefits of cannabis. Although further research is necessary, medical communities are gradually acknowledging the plant’s therapeutic value. Recently, research has provided encouraging news for cannabis users concerning heart health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men, women, and most racial and ethnic groups, claiming over 600,000 lives annually in the U.S. and Canada. While alcohol is often linked to worsening heart conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart failure, cannabis may offer certain protective effects, especially in light-to-moderate use.

A study conducted by the American Heart Association found that cannabis users had a lower risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to stroke and heart failure. Cannabis users in the study not only had a reduced risk of AFib but also shorter hospital stays and lower mortality rates compared to non-users.

However, while these findings are promising, more research is required to solidify cannabis’s role in heart health. Federal recognition of cannabis’s medical benefits is crucial for integrating it into mainstream treatments for conditions such as heart disease and cancer.