The Potential Risks of Cannabis Use on Heart Health
Cannabis, often praised for its potential to ease the mind and alleviate symptoms of various conditions, may have a darker side when it comes to heart health. Recent studies have revealed alarming findings: active cannabis users face a staggering six times higher risk of heart attack compared to non-users, even among young and otherwise healthy individuals. This discovery has sparked concerns about the long-term cardiovascular implications of marijuana use, particularly as its legalization and popularity continue to grow.
Dr. Ibrahim Kamel, lead author of one of the studies and a clinical instructor at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of including cannabis use in cardiovascular risk assessments. "Asking about cannabis use should be part of clinicians’ workup to understand patients’ overall cardiovascular risk, similar to asking about smoking cigarettes," he notes. This underscores the need for healthcare providers to take a more holistic approach when evaluating heart health.
The study, which utilized data from TriNetX, a global health research network, focused on participants aged 50 and under with no pre-existing major heart issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or coronary artery disease. After an average follow-up of over three years, researchers found that cannabis users had more than a sixfold increase in heart attack risk and double the chance of heart failure. Additionally, marijuana users were four times more likely to experience an ischemic stroke and three times more likely to face cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke.
These findings are supported by a broader analysis of 12 studies involving over 75 million participants from the U.S., Canada, and India. While seven studies confirmed a strong link between cannabis use and heart attack risk, others found no significant association or even a slightly negative correlation. Pooling the data, researchers determined that active cannabis users were 1.5 times more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-users. However, Kamel cautions that the study has limitations, as it did not account for the amount, duration, or frequency of cannabis use, nor did it explore potential interactions with other substances like cocaine or alcohol.
As cannabis legalization expands—now permitted for medical use in 39 states and recreationally in 24 states and Washington, D.C.—its use has become increasingly common. In fact, recent data suggests that regular cannabis use now surpasses regular alcohol consumption in the U.S. Cities like New York, dubbed the world’s marijuana consumption capital, have seen residents consume over 62 metric tons of cannabis annually. This rising trend has prompted growing concerns about the potential harms of long-term and frequent use.
While cannabis is celebrated for its medicinal benefits, such as easing chronic pain, insomnia, and chemotherapy side effects, the risks associated with its use cannot be overlooked. Studies have linked marijuana to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attacks, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Researchers hypothesize that cannabis may disrupt heart rhythm, increase oxygen demand in the heart muscle, and cause endothelial dysfunction, impairing blood vessel function. Beyond cardiovascular risks, cannabis use has also been tied to impaired brain function, mental health issues, gastrointestinal problems, lung damage, and a heightened risk of certain cancers.
The growing potency of cannabis further complicates the issue. In the 1990s, THC levels typically ranged from 3.7% to 10%, but today’s average potency in places like Colorado is around 18.7%. High-THC products are associated with more severe cannabis use disorder symptoms, a condition affecting about 3 in 10 users. As the drug becomes stronger, the potential for addiction and related health problems rises.
In light of these findings, Kamel urges patients to be candid with their doctors about their cannabis use. "Patients should be forthcoming with their doctors and remember that we are their number one advocate, and having the full story matters," he says. While cannabis may offer benefits for some, its impact on heart health highlights the need for caution and further research to better understand its long-term effects. As legalization continues to spread, balancing the medicinal potential of cannabis with its risks remains a critical public health challenge.
