A recent multicenter study has revealed a strong link between cannabis use and an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and other serious cardiovascular complications, even in otherwise healthy individuals. As cannabis consumption continues to rise globally, driven by increasing legalization and social acceptance, these findings could have significant implications for public health policies and medical guidelines.
The study, published in JACC: Advances, analyzed data from the TriNetX health research network, incorporating records from over 50 healthcare organizations across the United States. Researchers focused on individuals aged 50 and younger with no pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, ensuring that the effects of cannabis were not confounded by traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or tobacco use.
After reviewing data from over 4.6 million individuals, the study found that cannabis users had a significantly higher risk of suffering a heart attack compared to non-users. The absolute risk of myocardial infarction among cannabis users was 0.558%, compared to just 0.09% in non-users. This translates to a more than sixfold increase in the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack. Similarly, the risk of ischemic stroke was found to be four times higher in cannabis users, while major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including coronary revascularization and ventricular arrhythmias, were more than three times as common.
One of the most striking aspects of the study was that these risks were independent of other common cardiovascular risk factors. Even after adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, and other potential confounders, cannabis use remained a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. The researchers employed rigorous statistical methods, including propensity score matching, to ensure that the comparisons were fair and not influenced by pre-existing health conditions.
The exact mechanisms linking cannabis to cardiovascular risks remain an area of ongoing investigation. However, previous research has suggested that cannabis may contribute to heart attacks by triggering increases in heart rate, elevating blood pressure, and promoting blood vessel inflammation. Additionally, some studies have indicated that cannabis use can lead to endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which are known contributors to plaque formation and cardiovascular instability.
The implications of this study are far-reaching. With cannabis use becoming more widespread and its potential risks often overlooked, there is an urgent need for greater awareness among both healthcare providers and the general public. While cannabis is frequently promoted for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in pain management and anxiety reduction, its impact on cardiovascular health should not be ignored.
These findings also raise critical questions for policymakers. As more countries and states move toward cannabis legalization, should public health campaigns include warnings about potential cardiovascular risks? Should individuals with a history of heart disease or stroke be advised against cannabis use? These are important considerations that warrant further discussion among medical experts and regulatory bodies.
While this study provides compelling evidence of the risks associated with cannabis use, it also highlights areas for future research. One limitation noted by the authors is that the study did not differentiate between various methods of cannabis consumption, such as smoking, vaping, or edible use. It is possible that different forms of cannabis delivery may have varying effects on cardiovascular health. Additionally, the study did not account for the specific dosages or frequencies of cannabis use, which could be important factors in determining risk levels.
For those interested in reading the full study, it is available via the following link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2025.101698
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