Interesting, so the first link claims that the THC molecule is the single factor that causes the plaque buildup, however they failed to delineate between edible cannabis consumption and inhaled cannabis consumption so it’s difficult for them to draw that conclusion.
It’s especially weird when you read the third link and it claims that unmodified (read: No THC) zero-cannabinoid marijuana caused the same issues. It seems like the conclusions drawn by two separate studies are contradictory and it seems as if the smoke itself has more to do with plaque buildup than the molecule.
All in all, the studies don’t account for lifestyle and only establish a control based on genetics, sex, and age. Habitual cannabis users having a higher risk of heart disease could be because the stereotypical stoner is also a sedentary individual with abysmal diet. None of which was controlled for based on the study itself. In fact one of the links (can’t recall which) claimed that when lab rats were fed a high fat diet and were bred specifically for higher cholesterol, they showed symptoms of arterial hardening at much higher rates, implying that while cannabis might have an effect, the contextual diet and lifestyle are most likely still the largest factor here.
As for the last link about stroke, the study just found that people who have had multiple strokes have a higher number of cannabis users per capita than the control group. Great, absolutely zero links to the lifestyle of people who have had a stroke that could possibly also be a factor here.
I’d look more into who’s lobbying these studies to know what the truth is, there are a lot of interests with money who hate cannabis. Everyone from Jack Daniels whiskey to Opiod manufacturers want cannabis to go down as if threatens their corner of the market.