Impact of Chronic Cannabis Phytochemical Exposure on Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health: A Global Evidence Review

Concerns about the effects of long-term cannabis consumption on cardio-respiratory (heart/lung) health have increased as the number of countries legalising/recreational/medicinally using cannabis increases around the world. This article consolidates information from several parts of the world (Asia, Africa, Caribbean, Oceania, North America; US and Canada). This study assesses the potential long-term physiological effects of cannabis on different health-related communities in different health-related environments across multiple health care sectors and communities worldwide (NC, USA and CAN). There is a growing body of evidence showing a range of adverse health outcomes from chronic cannabis use, including an increase risk for cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias, tachycardia, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Similar outcomes have been reported for respiratory conditions, including airway inflammation, chronic bronchitis, decreased pulmonary function, and increased likelihood of developing respiratory infections, especially for those who smoke cannabis. While some of these effects may vary based on dosage, length of time used, method of use, and co-use of substances like tobacco, there continues to be an overall pattern suggesting increasing levels of health risks to the user. The combined body of evidence suggests that there are significant public health implications, particularly in areas where cannabis use has increased without an increase in regulations or services to educate the public and prepare for services to help manage the potential negative health impacts. This evidence also demonstrates an urgent need to develop regionally-specific regulatory structures, enhance public education, and conduct well-designed longitudinal clinical studies to learn more about causative pathways and to alleviate possible health-related burden associated with prolonged cannabis exposure.