Tobacco smoking is associated with sub-clinical atherosclerosis which in turn is associated with cardiovascular disease. Is the same thing true for cannabis (marijuana) smoking?
The authors of this study used data from the US-based Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. This consisted of both black and white men and women aged 18-30 years when first evaluated in 1985-86. There were up to seven follow-up examinations over 25 years, and a total of 3498 participants from the CARDIA study were included here.
Using CT scans every 2-5 years over a period of 25 total years, calcium deposition was measured in the coronary and abdominal arteries. 84% reported past marijuana use and 49% reported past daily tobacco smoking.
In the results, the authors plainly state: “Among those who never smoked tobacco, cumulative marijuana-years were not associated with AAC (Abdominal Artery Calcium) or CAC (Coronary Artery Calcium) in models adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, licit and illicit drug exposure and depression symptoms.”
This clearly means that marijuana is NOT associated with the buildup of sub-clinical calcium. However, in their conclusion, since this was funded by the Society for the Study of Addiction, they use a strange double-negative type of sentence that initially leads one to believe there is an association. They state that marijuana is associated with the calcium buildup – but only in those who used tobacco ………… Even this 2017 study still seems to show bias toward an agenda. A reminder to read carefully.
