A cross-sectional analysis of the association between marijuana and cigarette smoking with metabolic syndrome among adults in the United States

AimTo assess the relationship between marijuana use, cigarette smoking and metabolic syndrome among adults in the United States who reported they use marijuana or cigarettes in comparison to non-marijuana and non-cigarette users.MethodWe conducted multiple logistic regression analyses using data from the 2011–2012 United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate relationships between cardio-metabolic risk factors and increasing years of smoking cigarette or marijuana use. Statistical adjustments were made for both demographic and endogenous factors related to recreational substance use.ResultsEach year increase in marijuana use was significantly associated with increased odds of metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.09), and hypertension (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.07) adjusting for both demographic and endogenous factors related to recreational substance use. Each year increase in cigarette smoking was significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.06) and hyperglycemia (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.05) after adjusting for confounders.ConclusionThe results of this investigation suggest that increased years of marijuana or cigarette use are important factors in metabolic health; and consequently calls for the need to consider the potential negative effects of marijuana or cigarette for metabolic syndrome and its associated cardio-metabolic risk components.