A recent study published in JAMA Network Open delved into the association between heavy cannabis use and mortality, specifically focusing on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among females. The research, utilising data from the UK Biobank and analysing a substantial cohort of individuals aged 40 to 69, revealed compelling insights into the risks posed by intensive cannabis consumption, particularly for women.

Research Methodology and Cohort Analysis

The study comprised 502,478 individuals recruited from various cities across the UK, with participants self-reporting their cannabis usage levels categorised as never, low, moderate, or heavy use based on lifetime frequency. A detailed analysis was conducted on 121,895 participants over an average follow-up period of 11.8 years, during which 2,375 deaths were recorded, including 440 attributed to cancer and 1,411 to CVD. This comprehensive approach allowed researchers to draw significant correlations between heavy cannabis use and mortality outcomes.

Key Findings and Gender-Specific Impacts

Mortality Rates:

• Heavy cannabis use exhibited a notable association with a higher risk of CVD mortality among females.
• In males, heavy cannabis consumption was linked to an increased risk of all-cause mortality, highlighting gender disparities in the mortality impacts of cannabis use.

Study Recommendations:

The research emphasised the urgent need for longitudinal studies to delve deeper into the causal relationship between cannabis consumption patterns and mortality outcomes. Precise measurements of cannabis usage and dosage information are crucial for accurately assessing the health implications of cannabis use, especially concerning mortality risks.

Unveiling Sex-Specific Implications

The study’s findings shed light on the sex-specific impact of heavy cannabis use on mortality, particularly underscoring the elevated risk of CVD mortality for women engaged in intensive cannabis consumption. These revelations underscore the importance of further research endeavours aimed at unravelling the intricate interplay between cannabis use and mortality, with a specific focus on understanding the unique vulnerabilities faced by female cannabis users.

Source: News-Medical