{"id":39296,"date":"2025-08-08T08:00:30","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T12:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=39296"},"modified":"2025-10-13T14:57:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T18:57:14","slug":"a-panic-free-guide-to-reading-alarming-cannabis-studies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/a-panic-free-guide-to-reading-alarming-cannabis-studies\/","title":{"rendered":"A Panic-Free Guide To Reading Alarming Cannabis Studies"},"content":{"rendered":"

With so much news and information thrown at us every day, it\u2019s easy to fall into a cycle of worry and anxiety. If you\u2019ve seen some of the recent news about the impacts of cannabis on heart health, you may have found yourself in said cycle. With headlines like <\/span>\u201cCannabis is worse for heart health than cocaine<\/a>,\u201d<\/span> and “<\/span>Marijuana Use Might Be Wrecking Your Heart<\/a>,\u201d<\/span> it\u2019s no surprise some cannabis users may end up in a worry spiral.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The heart-health study isn\u2019t the only one that has recently made waves, though. In February, researchers published a large study examining whether people hospitalized with cannabis use disorder (CUD) were at a higher risk of death. The study found that people diagnosed with <\/span>CUD could have close to three times the risk of death in a five-year period<\/span><\/a> than those without the condition. They also concluded that people treated for CUD in hospital settings were nearly <\/span>10 times more likely to die from suicide <\/span><\/a>than the general population.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These figures are alarming on the surface, but they don\u2019t need to result in fear. Remember that associations aren\u2019t the same as causes, and that the true cause and effects likely have an inverse relationship; the entire picture isn\u2019t presented. Cannabis users should stay aware of the potential risks that come with consumption.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some tips for reading alarming cannabis studies without panic:<\/span><\/p>\n

Go to the Source First<\/b><\/h3>\n

Most people lack the training to read and fully understand entire scientific studies, which is why they end up reading news reports that break down the main points. While helpful, these articles can sometimes spread more fear than knowledge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before reading any news articles that break down a study, check out where it was originally published, which should be a scientific journal. You don\u2019t have to read any of the content, but you can check to see what type of study it is.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Type of Study?<\/b><\/h3>\n

First, determine whether researchers conducted the study on humans or animals. Human studies generally carry more weight than animal studies, as they apply directly to the population.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If researchers categorize the study as a meta-analysis, it means they analyzed a large pool of data from existing studies. If it\u2019s a systematic review, that means that researchers reviewed and analyzed randomized controlled trials. <\/span>These types of studies<\/span><\/a> analyze existing research and data to look for patterns or answer a specific question.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Observational studies collect data on participants over periods of time without actively manipulating or influencing their subjects. However, this also means we can\u2019t determine cause and effect. In contrast, randomized controlled trials involve giving two groups of subjects a treatment or placebo and observing the direct effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have to memorize all the types of studies (there are many), but it can be helpful to look at the nature of the study before you dive into the details.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Conducted the Study?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The researchers on a given study should be listed at the top of the page. You can typically click on each author and see what types of studies they work on. This can help give you an idea of their research focus and paint a clearer picture of the study itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, check for conflicts of interest. These should be disclosed near the bottom of the study. Researchers must identify conflicts of interest that could impact their research, such as the potential for <\/span>financial gain or career advancement.\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Who Funded the Study?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Research studies should always disclose all the financial backing received. Look for the funding or support section of the study to see which individuals or organizations supported the research. Ideally, the financial backing should not impact the study at all, but it\u2019s important that researchers be transparent about their funding sources to maintain credibility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Inspiring Critical Thinking, Not Mistrust<\/b><\/h2>\n

We don\u2019t suggest all of the above actions to sow mistrust about scientific studies. Rather, we want to encourage readers to critically evaluate the literature and feel empowered by the knowledge, not scared.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A well-documented example that highlights this need was the <\/span>MACH15 study<\/span><\/a>, which aimed to identify the long-term effects of moderate alcohol use. The study, which was largely funded by alcohol industry groups, was <\/span>terminated due to ethical concerns.\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Ask Key Questions<\/b><\/h2>\n

Even if you are just reading a news article about a lengthy study, you should be able to break down some of the information through key questions. If you struggle to find answers to these questions, consider changing sources or heading directly to the study.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n