Both Smoking and Eating Cannabis Damage Blood Vessel Function, JAMA Study Finds

Among 55 participants, cannabis smokers had FMD of 6.0% and THC-edible users had 4.6%, both significantly lower than non-users at 10.4%. Endothelial cells exposed to cannabis smoker serum showed reduced nitric oxide production, but edible user serum did not, suggesting different vascular damage mechanisms.

Cross-sectional CANDIDE study comparing arterial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity, and in vitro endothelial cell function across three groups: chronic cannabis smokers, THC-edible users, and non-users, all non-tobacco-users.

This is the first study to show that THC edibles, not just smoked cannabis, impair vascular function. The JAMA Cardiology publication signals this finding is considered highly significant by the cardiology community.

Many cannabis users switch from smoking to edibles assuming they eliminate health risks. This study challenges that assumption by showing edibles also impair vascular function, potentially through systemic THC effects rather than combustion byproducts.

Small sample size (55 total). Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation. Cannot control for all confounders. Edible users may differ from smokers in ways beyond consumption method. Functional significance of FMD differences not established.