Cannabis consumption linked to increased risk of heart disease, new findings suggest
Current scientific evidence suggests a notable association between cannabis use and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke.
A study published in the prestigious journal Heart in 2023 found that regular cannabis use may increase the risk of a heart attack by 29% and the risk of a stroke by 20%. This research focused on how regular cannabis use may affect the cardiovascular system.
The study analysed health data from 24 studies covering 200 million adults from ages 19 to 59. It separated the data into two groups: regular users of cannabis and nonusers.
More recent findings on the potential risks of cannabis use are concerning due to its growing prevalence. For instance, a 2024 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association concluded that past 30-day cannabis use correlated with myocardial infarction and stroke among adults 18 to 74, controlling for common confounders such as tobacco use and diabetes. Similarly, a 2025 observational analysis found that cannabis users have about a 29% higher risk of heart attack and a 20% higher risk of stroke compared to nonusers.
However, conflicting evidence exists. Certain studies, such as one on veterans with coronary artery disease (CAD), found no significant link between cannabis smoking and increased cardiovascular risk, even suggesting a slightly lower risk among users in that cohort. This discrepancy may hinge on differences in study populations, definitions of cannabis use, and control for confounding variables.
It is important to consider the potential risks of cannabis use before engaging in its use, especially for older adults and those with existing heart conditions who are at a higher risk of adverse outcomes from cannabis use. Discussing cannabis use with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act at the federal level, and possession or distribution of cannabis is a federal offense. However, state laws allow cannabis use for medical or recreational use, with varying limits on types, amounts, and legal age.
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As more data on the health effects of cannabis becomes available due to the loosening of restrictions in the United States and other nations, it is crucial to stay informed about the potential risks and benefits associated with cannabis use. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and understanding the impact of cannabis on cardiovascular health is essential for making informed decisions about its use.
[1] Cannabis use and risk of myocardial infarction and stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. (2023). Heart. [2] Cannabis use and the risk of myocardial infarction among young adults. (2023). Circulation. [3] Association of cannabis use with risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in the general population. (2025). Journal of the American Heart Association. [4] Cannabis smoking and risk of coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. (2022). European Heart Journal.
- The study published in the Heart journal in 2023 suggested that regular cannabis use could increase the risk of a heart attack by 29% and the risk of a stroke by 20%.
- A 2024 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found a correlation between past 30-day cannabis use and myocardial infarction and stroke among adults 18 to 74, even after controlling for factors like tobacco use and diabetes.
- A 2025 observational analysis showed that cannabis users had about a 29% higher risk of heart attack and a 20% higher risk of stroke compared to nonusers.
- Contrasting evidence exists, as certain studies, like one on veterans with coronary artery disease, found no significant link between cannabis smoking and increased cardiovascular risk, even suggesting a slightly lower risk among users in that cohort.
