For example, the team identified a “marijuana user” as someone who had ever tried marijuana. To calculate the duration of marijuana use, the researchers subtracted the age participants reported first trying weed from their current age.
For example, if you first tried cannabis at age 20 and are now 40 years old, you’d be a 20-year “marijuana user.”
“In this specific study, authors conflate subjects’ reporting of having ‘ever used’ cannabis as evidence of current and habitual use. This is likely not the case,” said Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), in an email.
Over half of America has tried weed, and according to Armentano, 12 percent of Americans say that they are current cannabis users.
While it is established that cannabis can affect blood pressure, other studies indicate cannabis isn’t a large risk to cardiovascular health.
In one 2017 study, for example, researchers tracked marijuana use of 5,113 young adults for 25 years and estimated lifetime exposure to marijuana by conducting exams every two to five years. They found no connection between cannabis use and incident cardiovascular disease.
“Based upon the findings of prior studies, the authors’ interpretation with regard to the degree of this risk potential appears to be sensational, and the methods used in this particular study appear to be highly questionable,” said Armentano.
For now, don’t let this study raise your blood pressure.
