The study showed that females with heavy cannabis use had a more than 1.5-fold higher risk of cardiovascular disease mortality compared to nonusers. After comprehensive adjustments to exclude other influencing factors, it was found that the risks for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, and cancer mortality in women increased by 49 percent, 167 percent, and 61 percent, respectively.
These risks increased by 28 percent, zero percent, and 9 percent for men, respectively. This suggests that heavy cannabis use has a greater impact on mortality risk for women, particularly with a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. Additionally, the data revealed that those with heavy cannabis use tend to be younger and more likely to smoke, but they exhibit lower levels of alcohol use, hypertension (high blood pressure), dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels), obesity, and diabetes.
They also tend to have lower levels of education and income. Further analysis showed that overweight women with heavy cannabis use had significantly increased risks of all-cause mortality and cancer mortality—by 123 percent and 179 percent, respectively. For women without hypertension, these risks increased by 114 percent and 143 percent, respectively.
Additionally, women without diabetes experienced a nearly twofold (192 percent) increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. In contrast to the previously mentioned study, this research evaluated the impact of cannabis use on cardiovascular disease risk based on the frequency of use. It found that frequent use significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, with the risk rising sharply as the frequency of use increases.
Specifically, daily cannabis use was associated with increased risks of coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and overall cardiovascular disease by 16 percent, 25 percent, 42 percent, and 28 percent, respectively, compared to nonuse. Even those who used cannabis less frequently, such as once a week, experienced a slight increase in the likelihood of heart attack and stroke. In addition to controlling for demographic factors and tobacco use, the study found that even among nonsmokers, daily cannabis use significantly increased the risks of heart attack by 49 percent, stroke by 116 percent, and overall cardiovascular disease by 77 percent, respectively.
The researchers used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2016 to 2020.
The study found that among individuals at risk of premature cardiovascular disease, cannabis use was similarly associated with cardiovascular disease but had a relatively more significant impact. According to the study, nearly 75 percent of respondents primarily used cannabis by smoking it, while 25 percent used it through vaping, drinking, or ingesting. When cannabis is burned, it releases toxins similar to those found in tobacco smoke.
Identify the root cause: When trying to change an unhealthy habit, reflect on how it developed in the first place. Understanding these root causes is essential for successfully breaking bad habits. People often use cannabis in hopes of alleviating issues such as depression, anxiety, social stress, sleep problems, or trauma.
However, cannabis only offers temporary relief and does not address the underlying issues. It is advisable to work with family or a therapist to find safer and more effective alternatives. Once you find new ways to tackle the root problems, quitting cannabis will become easier.
Develop a quit plan: Assess your life and determine the most effective strategy for quitting. You can choose to go cold turkey or go with a gradual approach. Going cold turkey is quick but may lead to withdrawal symptoms and various challenges.
Seeking support from others can help in navigating these difficulties. For long-term cannabis users wanting a gradual approach, set a deadline and gradually reduce your usage. An addiction specialist or substance use counselor can assist throughout the process.
Seek support: Share your decision to quit cannabis with those around you. This will foster a sense of accountability and provide you with encouragement from others. Additionally, consider joining support groups like Marijuana Anonymous.
These groups follow a structured 12-step program and hold regular meetings to offer mutual support and encouragement. You can also attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, even if you do not drink. Following the recovery process used in alcohol addiction programs can help you change your cannabis use behavior.
Additionally, seeking help from a therapist can be beneficial, especially if they have training or credentials in addiction treatment. Avoid triggers: People tend to associate certain items, activities, places, and people with specific habits, which can increase the desire to use cannabis. The most straightforward approach is to remove items like e-cigarettes and rolling papers from your home.
Additionally, it is essential to distance yourself from individuals who use cannabis. Focus on the positive: Resisting the temptation can be difficult if all you think about is not using cannabis. Instead, concentrate on new activities and interests to occupy your mind and time.
You can also practice meditation, spend more time with pets, and reconnect with friends and family. Changing habits becomes easier when you focus on the positive aspects of life. Overcome cravings: When the urge to use cannabis becomes strong, distract yourself and avoid triggers.
Reach out to your support network by calling a friend or family member or attending a support group meeting. Engage in activities that make it impossible to use cannabis at the same time, such as bowling, jogging around the block, or shopping. These actions can help reinforce your determination to quit until the craving passes.
You might also consider taking N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an antioxidant that protects cells. Research suggests that NAC can help individuals trying to quit cannabis by reducing cravings. Stay committed, and do not give up: Changing a habit can be challenging, and if you slip up, try not to be too hard on yourself.
Adjust your plan based on what you have learned, and keep trying. Success often requires multiple attempts. When repeated attempts fail, it is easy to feel discouraged and believe that success is out of reach.
However, this mindset is mistaken, as each attempt represents progress. The more you try, the greater your chances of success in the future. Set a new quit date for cannabis as soon as possible and start the process again.
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