New research suggests marijuana is not as detrimental to heart failure as originally thought when ingested or smoked.

As cannabis continues to become legal all over the United States, more and more research is coming to light about its effect on the human body. Known to raise blood pressure, while creating a mellow “high” that can relieve some forms of anxiety, cannabis has been wildly discussed because of how it affects the heart. 

A new study, featured in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, shared over 2 million individuals with a heart condition used cannabis in the past year. Since its Schedule 1 classification, marijuana studies have been hindered by a lack of knowledge and support, but new information appears to contradict earlier findings that marijuana and CBD are to be avoided for certain people with heart conditions.

For those living with A-Fib, or atrial fibrillation, a heart disorder associated with an irregular heartbeat, decreasing chances of heart failure is a must. New research is suggesting marijuana is not as detrimental as originally thought when ingested or smoked. In a 2017 study, researchers analyzed data for heart failure between 2007 and 2014 from 24,000 individuals who were active users of marijuana. 

Their findings turned heads of scientists and heart doctors everywhere. They found that individuals with heart failure who ingested marijuana were less likely to die in the hospital for those that did not partake and that hospital stays were often shorter. Comparing data points such as health, length of stay and mortality from cannabis users to non-users, researchers found that the odds for A-Fib decreased with cannabis users. 

The Fresh Toast has covered heart health and cannabis before, showcasing an earlier study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology that found heavy cannabis users have a lower risk of stroke because of blood and oxygen flow. Interestingly, a new study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology also found that CBD influenced a better blood flow in the brain, helping to elevate health.