Not only does pot create brain abnormalities but it's not too great for the heart either, says new report.
Smoking pot leads to cardiovascular complications, including heart attack and stroke, and is a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease in young adults, according to a new study.
"Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders and peripheral arteriopathies arisen in 34 years old (on average) cannabis users confirmed our fears," states Emilie Jouanjus, an author of the study.
"Cases were remarkably serious, or even lethal. This result is surprising considering that cardiovascular complications, when toxic cause is suspected, are more commonly attributed by doctors to cocaine or amphetamine use," he said.
Jouanjus says the results reveal "compelling evidence" on the growing risk of pot-associated adverse cardiovascular effects, especially among young users.
The news comes on the heels of another recent report that indicates even social pot smoking can cause brain abnormalities.
The Northwestern Medicine and Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School study claims even one recreational use during a week can damage brain function.
"This study raises a strong challenge to the idea that casual marijuana use isn't associated with bad consequences," states corresponding and co-senior study author Hans Breiter, M.D, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a psychiatrist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
"Some of these people only used marijuana to get high once or twice a week," Breiter said. "People think a little recreational use shouldn't cause a problem, if someone is doing OK with work or school. Our data directly says this is not the case.
