Study links early cannabis use to heart disease ANI | Updated: Apr 13, 2021 08:02 IST Guelph [Canada], April 13 (ANI): Smoking cannabis at a younger age may increase the risk of developing heart disease later in life, according to a recent University of Guelph study. In the first study to look at specific risk indicators for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in young, healthy cannabis users, researchers found subtle but potentially important changes in heart and artery function. Cigarette smoking is known to affect cardiovascular health, causing changes to blood vessels and the heart. Less is known about the impact of smoking cannabis on long-term CVD risk, even as use of the substance grows in Canada and abroad. Cannabis is the most commonly used recreational substance worldwide after alcohol.