Cannabis and heart

We hear suggestions being voiced favouring the legalisation of cannabis (marijuana) to increase foreign earnings to Sri Lanka.

I, as a responsible citizen of Sri Lanka and a cardiologist engaged in public health in Sri Lanka, ask the question, why do we need to promote encouraging the cultivation of cannabis that is sure to endanger public safety and damage health?

We can make do without cannabis!

Sri Lanka is a country renowned for its natural beauty and hospitality, and attracts tourists from across the globe. This magnificent island nation produces the finest Ceylon Tea, rubber, coconuts, and numerous healthy and aromatic spices. Rare and luxurious collections of arts and crafts, gems, and jewellery are brought to you by our local talents. With all these riches available to us, why should we as a country, take the risk and indulge ourselves in promoting cannabis? This is a weed/drug that is considered and linked to dangerous narcotics causing many ill-effects on the human body. We should not nurse a vision that will lower the quality of our lives. Instead, why not endorse the aforementioned local businesses and provide them with adequate support and relief that will likely lead to an escalation of foreign earnings?

Some argue that cannabis is a “soft drug” that is similar to alcohol and is different from illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. These facts could not have been more uninformed and misleading! Cannabis unlike alcohol or tobacco is consumed to the point of complete intoxication. The effects of intoxication last well beyond the period of use and leave a negative impact on the user’s cognitive ability. Studies also show that more than 30% of cannabis users become addicted and dependent on the drug. If their use ceases, they exhibit compulsive behaviours and withdrawal symptoms. Cannabis causes involuntary violence, lowers job efficiency, and endangers public safety. As a result of cannabis, most users have a lack of motivation. This leads to job insecurity and reduced quality of life as they are unable to support themselves and their families.

Moreover, studies also reveal that long-term use of cannabis can lead to life-threatening diseases involving the lungs, brain and heart.

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have conclusively shown that prolonged use of cannabis can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.

“As more states legalize the recreational use of marijuana, users need to be aware that it could have cardiovascular side effects” – Joseph Wu, MD, PhD, professor of cardiovascular medicine and radiology, and the director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute.

“Marijuana has a significantly adverse effect on the cardiovascular system. As more states legalize marijuana use, I expect we will begin to see a rise in heart attacks and strokes in the coming years. Our studies of human cells and mice clearly outline how THC exposure initiates a damaging molecular cascade in the blood vessels.” – Instructor of medicine Mark Chandy, MD, PhD.

Adverse effects of cannabis on heart health

The Vascular Endothelium is the innermost cellular lining of arteries, veins, and capillaries and is in direct contact with the components and cells of blood.

The main ingredient in cannabis, also known as “the main mind-altering ingredient”, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), promotes vascular inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction.

Dysfunctional Endothelium allows ‘Bad’ cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and other dangerous particles to enter the inner layers of blood vessels, generating lipid deposits (Atheromatous plaques) that cause the vessel lumen to shrink. Additionally, endothelial dysfunction might cause a sudden narrowing of the heart arteries, which would cut off the heart’s ability to receive blood. Both scenarios carry the risk of angina, a heart attack, an irregular heartbeat, and possibly sudden death.

Save our future generation!

The young generation of any country is the hope and future of the nation. In addition to harmful cardiovascular effects, cannabis addiction at a young age may affect a child’s brain development, harming both their future and that of our nation.

There is no way cannabis can earn dollars. Hence, if it is legalised, it will create a debt to the country!