Smoking cannabis linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke

Cannabis consumption has increased significantly within the past 20 years as negative perceptions of its use has declined. Some studies have linked its regular use to impaired brain development and lung damage, as well as to certain cardiovascular diseases. While the exact mechanisms linking cannabis to heart disease are unclear, multiple factors could play a role. In addition to toxins, endocannabinoid receptors — the part of cells responsible for recognizing tetra-hydro-cannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis — are widespread in the body’s cardiovascular tissues and might facilitate heart risks.

To explore the link between cannabis use and health, Abra Jeffers, Ph.D., a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, along with her team analyzed 2016–2020 data from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey which included 4,34,104 adults aged 18-74. They assessed how often participants smoked cannabis in the past 30 days and its association with self-reported cardiovascular outcomes, such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and a composite measure of all three. The analysis adjusted for various factors, including tobacco use, age, sex, race, BMI, obesity, diabetes, physical activity, and socioeconomic status.

The findings revealed that daily use of cannabis was associated with 25% increased likelihood of heart attack and a 42% increased likelihood of stroke when compared to non-use of the drug. Less frequent use was also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Weekly users showed a 3% increased likelihood of heart attack and a 5% increased likelihood of stroke.

“We've known for a long time that smoking tobacco is linked to heart disease, and this study is evidence that smoking cannabis appears to also be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in many countries,” Jeffers said. “Cannabis use could be an important, underappreciated source of heart disease.”