Cannabis Use and Cardiovascular Health: What You Should Know

                

Cannabis (also known as marijuana) is commonly used for recreational and medical purposes. While many people are aware of the effects of cannabis on mood and cognition, fewer know that growing evidence suggests cannabis use may also affect the heart and blood vessels. Research has linked cannabis use to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, particularly among frequent users.

What Does the Research Show?

A large U.S. study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association analyzed data from more than 430,000 adults and found that cannabis use was associated with higher odds of heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease, even after accounting for tobacco use and other cardiovascular risk factors. The study found that more frequent cannabis use was associated with greater risk.

Compared with people who did not use cannabis:

  • Daily cannabis users had a 25% higher likelihood of having a heart attack.
  • Daily cannabis users had a 42% higher likelihood of having a stroke.
  • Even weekly cannabis use was associated with modest increases in heart attack and stroke risk.

These associations were also observed among people who had never smoked tobacco, suggesting the increased risk may not be explained solely by cigarette smoking.

How Might Cannabis Affect the Heart and Blood Vessels?

Researchers are still investigating the exact mechanisms, but several factors may contribute:

  • Cannabis can increase heart rate and blood pressure shortly after use, which may increase the workload on the heart.
  • Smoking cannabis exposes users to many of the same combustion-related toxins and particulate matter found in tobacco smoke, which can damage blood vessels and contribute to cardiovascular disease.
  • Cannabinoid receptors, which interact with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are present throughout the cardiovascular system and may influence blood vessel function, inflammation, and clotting.

Who May Be Most at Risk?

Cardiovascular effects may be particularly important for:

  • People with existing heart disease or a history of stroke.
  • Individuals with cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or smoking history.
  • Older adults.
  • People who use cannabis frequently or daily.

However, increased risks have also been observed among younger adults and among people without traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

What Does This Mean for the Public?

Cannabis is often perceived as a relatively harmless substance; however, emerging evidence suggests it may have important effects on cardiovascular health. While research continues to evolve, current evidence indicates that frequent cannabis use is associated with a higher likelihood of heart attack and stroke. Individuals with cardiovascular disease or risk factors should discuss cannabis use with their healthcare provider and consider potential cardiovascular risks when making decisions about use.

References

  • Jeffers AM, Glantz S, Byers AL, Keyhani S. Association of Cannabis Use With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Adults. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2024.
  • American Heart Association. Cannabis use linked to increase in heart attack and stroke risk. February 28, 2024.
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH). Smoking cannabis associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke. February 28, 2024.
  • American Heart Association News. Marijuana use linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke. February 28, 2024.