Recent Study Finds Link Between Marijuana Use and Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

A new study has found that smoking, vaping, or consuming marijuana is associated with a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The risk is elevated even in individuals with no existing heart conditions and who do not use tobacco products.

The study revealed that both daily and non-daily marijuana users faced an increased risk of heart attack and stroke compared to nonusers. Specifically, the risk of stroke rose by 42% and the risk of heart attack rose by 25% in daily cannabis users. Additionally, the risk increased with the frequency of marijuana use.

Lead study author Abra Jeffers, a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasized that cannabis smoke poses similar cardiovascular risks to tobacco smoke, highlighting the importance of recognizing the potential dangers of cannabis use as its popularity grows.

Robert Page II, a professor of clinical pharmacy and physical medicine at the University of Colorado, echoed the study’s findings, noting that daily marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. He emphasized the need for healthcare practitioners to acknowledge the potential hazards of cannabis use in relation to cardiovascular health.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed data from 430,000 adults collected between 2016 and 2020. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the potential cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana use, particularly as cannabis consumption continues to rise.

It is crucial for individuals of all ages to be aware of the potential dangers, as the study’s results indicate that the risk of heart attack and stroke is a real concern for both young and old alike.