Are you a Bridgerton fan? If you are, you will want to read on about the recent unveiling of Bridgerton Season 4 in Cape Town over the weekend. The red carpet was rolled out. The stylish outfits came out. The celebrities were also there in abundance.

“On Saturday, 24 January, Bridgerton Season 4 was unveiled in Cape Town with a launch that brought the series’ central theme – the unmasking of true love – vividly to life.”

Are you a Bridgerton fan?

All against the background of an elegant Afro-couture Masquerade. This is where the opulence of the Regency era met the bold innovation of African design. The stunning event was hosted at the V&A Waterfront’s iconic Zeitz MOCAA, and Smile FM was also there.

“Inspired by the romance, intrigue, and spectacle of the upcoming season, the celebration took shape as an elegant Afro-couture Masquerade, where the opulence of the Regency era met the bold innovation of African design.”

The Ton in Cape Town for Bridgerton Season 4 Launch

The hosts for the evening were two of the country’s top personalities, Bonang Matheba and Jonathan Boyton-Lee. You were also able to catch a galaxy of local stars with the country’s most elite talent on the red carpet. Zozibini Tunzi, Khanyi Mbau, Dineo Langa, Ntobeko Sishi, and the Mbombo Twins were there, to name a few.

Bridgerton international cast members

Two of the actors of the series were also flown in to add more flair to the top-tier event. Cape Town was delighted to welcome the international cast members and fan-favourites Emma Naomi (Alice Mondrich) and Martins Imhangbe (Will Mondrich). But South Africa had its own star to boast of. Our beautiful Masali Baduza (who plays the role of Michaela Stirling) made her historic debut this season. She’s the first South African actor to join the franchise.

“Together, the trio ushered in a new chapter of the hit series that bridges local pride with global storytelling.”

Recent headlines claim cannabis use doubles the risk of dying early from heart disease, based on a large analysis of 24 international studies. While that sounds alarming, the science behind the claim is more complicated than the headlines suggest.

Cannabis use in Cape Town has become ubiquitous, with clubs selling a variety of products popping up everywhere.

Below is a break-down of why the quoted study’s findings are flawed.

The key issue: this shows correlation, not causation

The analysis found that people who used cannabis had higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death than non-users. But most of the studies included were observational, meaning researchers watched what people were already doing rather than controlling who used cannabis.

That makes it impossible to prove that cannabis caused the heart problems. Other factors could help explain the link, including:

• Tobacco use
• Diet and exercise habits
• Alcohol or other drug use
• Underlying health conditions

Many of the studies also relied on self-reported cannabis use, which isn’t always accurate.

Correlation essentially means this: Every summer, both ice cream sales and drowning deaths go up. Does eating ice cream cause drowning? Of course not.

The numbers sound dramatic – but lack detail

The analysis reported:

• A 29% higher risk of heart attack or angina
• A 20% higher risk of stroke
• Double the risk of early cardiovascular death

But the studies grouped together very different people and patterns of use. Most didn’t track:

• How much cannabis people used
• How often they used it
• Whether they smoked, vaped, or used edibles
• Whether cannabis was mixed with tobacco

Without that information, it’s hard to know how much of the risk is actually due to cannabis itself.

Other studies don’t always show the same thing

Some research in specific groups, such as older adults with existing heart disease, has not found a clear link between cannabis use and major heart events. That doesn’t mean cannabis is harmless. It means the risks may vary depending on:

• Age
• Overall health
• Frequency and method of use

Importantly, while this study shows “no clear link found”, it does not mean that it is “definitely safe.”

Scientists like to say: Not finding proof of harm is not the same as proving there is no harm.

What we do know

Cannabis can affect heart rate and blood pressure, which means it could strain the cardiovascular system, especially in people with existing heart problems. But current evidence does not definitively prove that cannabis directly causes heart disease or early death.

Bottom line

The 24-study analysis suggests a possible link between cannabis use and heart risk, but it does not prove cannabis doubles your risk of cardiovascular disease. The relationship is likely more complex and influenced by many other health and lifestyle factors.

Anyone with heart disease or multiple risk factors should discuss cannabis use with a healthcare professional, just as they would with alcohol or tobacco.