In California, where recreational marijuana has been legal since 2016, dispensaries have become a common sight. But how safe is cannabis consumption, especially when it comes to your heart? A recent study suggests that even healthy individuals who regularly smoke marijuana or consume THC-infused edibles show early signs of cardiovascular disease, similar to those found in tobacco smokers.
Most surprising is the study’s revelation that edibles—popularly perceived as a safer alternative—might actually pose a greater risk. According to the findings, edibles reduce vascular function by 56%, which is worse than the impairment observed with smoking cannabis.
Our contributors this Friday, married couple Doug and Jamie Baker, shared their personal experience with cannabis edibles. When asked if this changes her opinion, Jamie was quick to say, “Not at all. I mean, if somebody was idiotic enough to give me edibles one time and it gave me the worst experience of my life, I will never do that again.”
Doug and Jamie recounted the ordeal. “In fairness, we were told they were just jelly beans,” Doug said. “We didn’t know they were marijuana gummies, and we ate the hell out of them. Jamie passed out on the garage floor. I barely made it into the house. It was a terrible evening, and we’ll never do that again.”
Jamie added that the confusion stemmed from the wine she had been drinking, thinking they were harmless gummy bears. Despite this harrowing experience, she maintains her stance on cannabis. “It doesn’t change my opinion. Nope.”
Doug, however, admitted the experience shifted his view slightly. “I’m very tolerant of others who use it. But now, I’m going to be a little less tolerant because it’s a scary substance.”
As California’s cannabis industry continues to thrive, the conversation about its health impacts—especially the underestimated dangers of edibles—remains crucial.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
May 31, 2025
