Looks like your blood pressure isn’t the only thing getting high.
A recent study published in the journal Heart has revealed one common habit might pose significant risks to your pumper.
Researchers analyzed the data of over 200 million people, predominantly aged between 19 and 59.
Their analysis revealed that cannabis use increased the risk of acute coronary syndrome and stroke by 29% and 20%, respectively.
But the real kicker to your ticker is that it doubled the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
The findings raise concerns about the longterm safety of a drug that stoners often insist is “safe,” especially given the widespread legalization of marijuana.
Using weed recreationally is currently legal in 24 states, plus Washington DC, and regulators predict licensed pot stores will more than double this year.
The researchers point out that today’s marijuana market has expanded far beyond bongs and brownies — now including vapes, edibles and other methods of ingestion whose impact on the heart remains unclear.
In light of their findings, they suggest tightening regulations, funding more research, educating the public and effectively giving marijuana the cigarette treatment.
“Cannabis needs to be incorporated into the framework for prevention of clinical cardiovascular disease,” they wrote.
“So too must cardiovascular disease prevention be incorporated into the regulation of cannabis markets. Effective product warnings and education on risks must be developed, required, and implemented.
They urged that heart and other health risks come into consideration hen regulating products and marketing.
“Today that regulation is focused on establishing the legal market with woeful neglect of minimizing health risks,” they said.
“Specifically, cannabis should be treated like tobacco: not criminalized, but discouraged, with protection of bystanders from secondhand exposure.”
While this is the first study to reveal the scale of the risk, previous research has linked daily marijuana use to heart issues.
A recent study revealed using marijuana led to substantially reduced vascular function, even in those who consumed edibles instead of toking.
Two other major studies suggest young pot users are twice as likely to have a heart attack.
Other research has established a link between cannabis use and reduced brain activity or even psychosis if consumed excessively.
These concerns are compounded by the fact that weed has only become increasingly potent.
In the 1990s, THC levels ranged from 3.7% to 10%.
Today, the average potency in Colorado is a staggering 18.7%, according to a lab test.
