New Study Links Marijuana Use to Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

A recent study has revealed a concerning association between the use of marijuana, whether through smoking, vaping, or ingestion, and a significantly heightened risk of heart attack and stroke. This risk persists even among individuals without preexisting heart conditions and those who do not smoke or vape tobacco, according to the findings.

Conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, the study underscores the alarming cardiovascular risks posed by cannabis consumption, drawing parallels between the risks associated with marijuana smoke and tobacco smoke. Lead author Abra Jeffers, a data analyst specializing in tobacco and smoking cessation, emphasized the similarity between cannabis and tobacco smoke, highlighting the psychoactive drug THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) present in cannabis.

The study’s results indicate that both daily and non-daily users of marijuana face elevated risks of heart attack and stroke compared to non-users. Specifically, the risk of stroke surged by 42%, while the risk of heart attack increased by 25% among daily cannabis users. Moreover, the study revealed a correlation between the frequency of marijuana use and the escalation of cardiovascular risks.

Echoing previous research findings, Robert Page II, a professor at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, emphasized the importance of these findings in the context of public health. Page, who chaired the writing group for a 2020 scientific statement on marijuana use and cardiovascular health, stressed the urgent need for action among healthcare practitioners.

The study’s implications underscore the critical importance of raising awareness about the potential cardiovascular hazards associated with cannabis use, particularly as marijuana consumption continues to rise while traditional tobacco use declines. These findings serve as a poignant reminder of the need for comprehensive education and preventive measures to mitigate the risks posed by marijuana use on cardiovascular health.