New research suggests that using cannabis—whether by smoking, eating, or vaping—may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study found that cannabis users faced higher cardiovascular risks, regardless of tobacco use or other underlying health factors. Dr. Abra Jeffers, a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital, highlighted the growing misconception that cannabis use is harmless, particularly as smoking remains the predominant method of consumption, exposing users to particulate matter. With recreational marijuana now legal in 24 states and its usage nearly doubling since 2002, understanding its health impacts is increasingly critical. The study analyzed survey data from over 434,000 U.S. adults between 2016 and 2020, focusing on cardiovascular outcomes like heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes—even among non-tobacco users and younger individuals at lower baseline risk. Prior research on marijuana’s cardiovascular effects has been limited due to overlapping tobacco use and younger study populations, but this study underscores the potential dangers as cannabis use becomes more widespread.
Key Facts
- Higher Risk with Any Use: Any marijuana use was associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Frequent Use Increases Risk: Daily marijuana users had 25% higher odds of heart attack and 42% higher odds of stroke compared to non-users.
- Smoking as Predominant Method: Smoking was the most common way people consumed cannabis, followed by eating and vaping.
- Increased Odds for Younger Adults: Men under 55 and women under 65 who used marijuana had a 36% higher combined odds of coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, even without tobacco or e-cigarette use.
- Independent Risk Factor: The elevated odds for cardiovascular issues persisted even in individuals who had never used tobacco products or e-cigarettes.
