Recent research indicates that regular cannabis use may significantly elevate the risk of severe heart-related conditions. A comprehensive analysis published in Nature Reviews Cardiology suggests that those who use cannabis daily could face heightened risks of heart attacks, strokes, heart rhythm issues, and heart failure.
The study reviewed existing data and found that cannabinoids, which are the active compounds in cannabis, negatively affect cardiovascular health. Notably, a survey involving 430,000 participants revealed that the 4 percent of respondents who consumed cannabis daily were nearly 50 percent more likely to experience a heart attack and had a two-fold higher risk of stroke compared to those who did not use cannabis. This risk was consistent regardless of whether individuals also smoked tobacco.
Mark J. K. Chandy, MD, PhD, the lead author of the study and Heart & Stroke Chair at Western University, explained that while cannabis has been a subject of interest for years, recent research has increasingly linked it to heart disease. He noted that the evidence supporting these claims has strengthened over time.
This is not the first study to raise concerns about cannabis and heart health. A meta-analysis presented just last week at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session found that cannabis users under the age of 50 were more than six times as likely to suffer a heart attack compared to non-users. Additionally, cannabis users showed a fourfold increased risk of ischemic stroke and a twofold increased risk of heart failure, along with a threefold higher risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke over a three-year period.
Further studies have explored the effects of cannabis, particularly delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component. For instance, a 2022 study published in the journal Cell indicated that THC is associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD, co-author of both the Cell study and the current review, stated that cannabis use is also linked to premature heart disease.
Moreover, research published in the European Heart Journal in 2024 found that using oral cannabis for chronic pain is associated with an increased risk of heart rhythm problems.
Among the various consumption methods, smoking or vaping cannabis appears to pose the greatest danger to heart health.
