An analysis of 8,478 individuals who completed the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys was conducted. The participants ranged between 20 to 59 years of age.
Marijuana use was categorized as never used, past use, and current use. Metabolic syndrome was classified by 3 or more of the following: elevated fasting glucose, high triglycerides, low high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, elevated systolic/diastolic blood pressure, and increased waist circumference.
This study found that current marijuana users who were emerging adults (20-30 years of age) were 54% less likely than never users to present with metabolic syndrome. Additionally, both current and past users at middle age (45-59 years of age) were less likely to have metabolic syndrome than never users.
Marijuana continues to demonstrate a wide variety of potential health benefits.
