A new study from the University of South Florida shows that smoking cannabis can increase the risk of heart problems—and that risk becomes even greater when combined with eating a lot of processed foods.
The research suggests that this combination may weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to repair damage to the heart caused by smoking.
The study was published in the journal Life Sciences and was led by Dr. Ganesh Halade, a professor of Internal Medicine at USF Health.
Dr. Halade explained that if someone smokes cannabis while also eating a diet high in processed foods—especially foods made with seed oils like soybean, corn, or safflower oil—the body’s natural defenses become weaker. These foods are common in packaged snacks, fast food, and ready-to-eat meals.
The researchers wanted to understand how cannabis and processed foods affect people who already have poor diets. Dr. Halade said his interest in the topic began when he visited California and noticed how common cannabis use was, especially in areas where unhealthy eating habits are also common.
He realized that while cannabis is legal in 35 states, its effects on heart health are still not fully understood—especially when combined with diets rich in omega-6 seed oils.
In the study, the researchers looked at what happens to the body after smoking hemp, a type of cannabis with low THC (the part of marijuana that makes people feel high) and high CBD (a non-psychoactive compound).
They found that cannabis smoke affected the heart, lungs, and other organs. The harmful compounds from the smoke reached multiple parts of the body, including the brain, within two hours.
They also discovered that a diet high in seed oils weakens the immune system. Normally, about one percent of our blood cells work to fight off infections and heal damage. These immune cells are like firefighters or police, rushing to any part of the body that needs help.
But when people eat a lot of processed foods and smoke cannabis, their immune system may not work as well, meaning the body can’t respond quickly to problems like heart damage.
Dr. Halade’s team found that the combination of cannabis smoke and a seed-oil-rich diet caused chronic inflammation. While some inflammation is normal and helps the body heal after injury or illness, long-term (chronic) inflammation can damage organs and lead to diseases like heart disease.
The study showed that smoking cannabis, especially for people who already eat poorly, can make this kind of harmful inflammation worse.
Another concern is that many people are already at risk. According to Dr. Halade, about 40% of Americans are obese and up to 75% are overweight. Many of them eat processed foods regularly, and if they also smoke cannabis, their risk for health problems may be even higher.
In the lab, the researchers ran a five-day test where subjects were exposed to cannabis smoke twice a day. They found that cannabis particles traveled quickly throughout the body and weakened the heart and lungs. These effects may increase the chance of developing long-term health problems.
Dr. Halade stressed that other factors, like poor sleep and lack of exercise, also weaken the immune system. But the combination of cannabis and processed food seems to be especially harmful.
To stay healthy, he recommends a wholesome diet made from fresh, non-processed foods, along with regular physical activity and good sleep—especially as people grow older.
In conclusion, the study shows that smoking cannabis and eating processed food may seriously damage the heart and immune system. Making healthier lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of chronic inflammation and long-term health problems.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top foods to love for a stronger heart, and why oranges may help fight obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about simple guide to a 7-day diabetes meal plan, and why you should add black beans to your plate.
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