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- Gen Z is ditching alcohol, but their weed habit may be risky for their health, too (businessinsider.com)
Gen Z Favors Cannabis Over Alcohol, But New Research Shows Significant Heart Risks
While Generation Z is increasingly choosing cannabis over alcohol, new research reveals significant heart health risks associated with marijuana use. A recent study published in the journal Heart found that cannabis use can double the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
The shift away from alcohol among young adults coincides with a growing health-conscious movement and concerns about alcohol’s link to cancer. The cannabis industry has capitalized on this trend, offering alternatives like THC-infused drinks and edibles marketed as “hangover-free” options. This appeals to those who are “sober-curious” or embracing the “California sober” lifestyle, abstaining from alcohol but continuing to use cannabis.
However, a large-scale study from the University of Toulouse, analyzing data from over 200 million people aged 19-59, revealed alarming connections between cannabis use and heart problems. Researchers found cannabis users had a 29% increased risk of heart attack and a 20% increased risk of stroke compared to non-users. Alarmingly, many of the heart patients hospitalized were young and lacked prior risk factors.
The study also highlighted risks associated with edibles. Ingesting THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, can lead to cellular dysfunction and increased heart health risks, even without smoking.
These findings reinforce a growing body of research indicating the health risks of cannabis use. While not as dramatically portrayed in the past, the risks are significant enough for scientists to urge caution.
Experts are calling for increased regulation of the cannabis market, including warning labels similar to those on cigarette packages, to discourage use and minimize health risks. They emphasize that while cannabis shouldn’t be criminalized, it also shouldn’t be treated casually.
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- Gen Z is ditching alcohol, but their weed habit may be risky for their health, too (businessinsider.com)