CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA CONSUMPTION

ABSTRACT

Marijuana is the most abused substance which is still illicit in most countries globally. In Nigeria, the burden of drug abuse is on the rise and becoming a public health concern. Yet, the cardiovascular risk of marijuana consumption has not been sufficiently evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine cardiovascular effects of marijuana consumption among young adult Nigerians. The study participants comprised of 60 marijuana smokers and 60 non-marijuana/cigarette smokers of similar age group. A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the demographic and anthropometric data of the subjects. Serum lipid profile, creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were determined by spectrophotometric method. Data were analyzed and compared between marijuana smokers and controls using appropriate statistical tool. Serum CK was significantly higher in Marijuana smokers (5.37±0.99) when compared to control (2.89±0.73) (p<0.05). Serum AST was significantly higher among marijuana smokers (42.33±9.01) than control subjects (25.80±5.20) (p<0.05). Serum triglyceride was significantly higher in marijuana smokers (103.57±35.06) when compared to control (71.43±26.32) (p<0.05). Serum total cholesterol was also significantly higher in marijuana smokers (167.47±28.21) compared to control (154.07±20.97) (p<0.05). The Atherogenic index of plasma lipid (AIP) was significantly higher in marijuana smokers (0.25±0.22) than non-smokers (0.14±0.18) (p<0.05). There was no correlation between marijuana and duration or quantity of marijuana smoked. Marijuana consumption may be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Public enlightenment is needed to educate young adults on the dangers of marijuana consumption.