Some info is emerging about marijuana use in the young and cardiovascular problems

[RainDog]

17. Good information

thanks for posting.

one problem, as mentioned, was the correlation with tobacco use, of course.

I wonder how this work compares to reports of lower levels of fasting insulin, cholesterol and weight. Caloric intake versus bmi, etc.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130515085208.htm

http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343%2813%2900200-3/abstract

There are limited data regarding the relationship between cannabinoids and metabolic processes. Epidemiologic studies have found lower prevalence rates of obesity and diabetes mellitus in marijuana users compared with people who have never used marijuana, suggesting a relationship between cannabinoids and peripheral metabolic processes. To date, no study has investigated the relationship between marijuana use and fasting insulin, glucose, and insulin resistance.

Methods
We included 4657 adult men and women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2010. Marijuana use was assessed by self-report in a private room. Fasting insulin and glucose were measured via blood samples after a 9-hour fast, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated to evaluate insulin resistance. Associations were estimated using multiple linear regression, accounting for survey design and adjusting for potential confounders.

Results
Of the participants in our study sample, 579 were current marijuana users and 1975 were past users. In multivariable adjusted models, current marijuana use was associated with 16% lower fasting insulin levels (95% confidence interval [CI], −26, −6) and 17% lower HOMA-IR (95% CI, −27, −6). We found significant associations between marijuana use and smaller waist circumferences. Among current users, we found no significant dose-response.

Conclusions
We found that marijuana use was associated with lower levels of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, and smaller waist circumference.

Studies also indicate THC provides cardio protection in low doses -

A single ultra low dose of THC before ischemia is a safe and effective treatment that reduces myocardial ischemic damage.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23537701

(the same scientist demonstrated neuro-protection from low dose THC as well)
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-012-3186-5

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol protects cardiac cells from hypoxia via CB2 receptor activation and nitric oxide production.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16444588

THC fights hardened arteries.

The study is behind a pay wall, but here's one article about it, below the study link.

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v434/n7034/full/434708a.html

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20050406/marijuana-chemical-fights-hardened-arteries

The active ingredient in marijuana that produces changes in brain messages appears to fight atherosclerosis -- a hardening of the arteries.

The results may be due to THC's anti-inflammatory properties, write the researchers, who included François Mach, MD, of the cardiology division at University Hospital in Geneva, Switzerland. Inflammation has been shown to be associated with the development of atherosclerosis.

This, of course, does not mean that some people can't have increased heart rates from the use of marijuana - but does demonstrate some cardio-protective features in low doses - lower than those most people would have if they inhaled marijuana.