Recent studies have raised concerns about the cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, particularly among young adults. A retrospective study published in JACC Advances found that cannabis users under 50 are more than six times as likely to experience a heart attack compared to non-users. In addition, a meta-analysis of 12 studies involving over 93,000 cannabis users and 4.5 million non-users indicated that cannabis users have a 50% higher risk of heart attacks.
The retrospective study utilized patient data from TriNetX, tracking individuals for an average of over three years. The findings revealed that cannabis users faced not only a sixfold increased risk of heart attack but also a fourfold increased risk of ischemic stroke and double the risk of heart failure. Notably, the studies did not distinguish between the risks of inhaled versus ingested cannabis products.
The meta-analysis, which included studies from various countries, found that while seven studies linked cannabis use to an elevated risk of heart attacks, four showed no significant difference, and one suggested a slightly lower risk. It was noted that the heart attack risk peaked about an hour after cannabis use. However, the studies had limitations, such as insufficient data on frequency and quantity of use, which could affect the results.
Experts emphasize the need for further research to fully understand cannabis's impact on heart health and recommend that clinicians inquire about cannabis use when assessing cardiovascular risk. Given the ongoing legalization of cannabis in the U.S., monitoring its long-term health effects remains a public health priority.