Cannabis use linked to a doubled risk of heart disease death, new study finds
As marijuana use continues to rise across the United States, researchers have been studying the potential link between cannabis use and cardiovascular issues. A recent study published in the journal Heart revealed the significant risk associated with cannabis use, showing that it is linked to a doubled risk of death from cardiovascular disease, a 29% higher risk for acute coronary syndrome, and a 20% higher risk for stroke.
The study analyzed data from 24 studies published between 2016 and 2023, providing a comprehensive overview of the cardiovascular health risks for cannabis users. However, the authors noted some limitations, such as imprecise dosage measurements.
With recreational marijuana now legal in 24 states, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is considering reclassifying the drug to a less dangerous category under the Controlled Substances Act. This shift comes at a time when daily marijuana users outnumber daily drinkers for the first time, with young people driving the trend. Surveys have shown that a significant percentage of individuals aged 18 to 24 prefer marijuana to alcohol.
Despite the increasing popularity of marijuana and the declining perception of its risks, health experts are emphasizing the potential health effects highlighted by the recent study. In an editorial note accompanying the research, Dr. Lynn Silver and Stanton Glantz called for marijuana to be treated similarly to tobacco – not criminalized but discouraged. They also advocated for measures to protect bystanders from secondhand exposure and called for further research on the cardiovascular risks associated with different forms of cannabis consumption.
