Cannabis and Heart Health: What You Should Know

Whether or not you use cannabis has not always been a regular part of a healthcare intake form.  But in Minnesota - where I practice and where recreational cannabis use was legalized in 2023 - that question is now routine.  Perhaps not surprisingly I’m seeing more and more of those boxes being ticked in the affirmative.

With cannabis now legal for medicinal use in 39 states and for recreational use in 24,  it is easy to assume that marijuana in all its forms is completely safe. But just because something is legal does not automatically make it harmless. After all, plenty of harm can come from alcohol consumption.  And recent research is starting to paint a more concerning picture about cannabis use, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health.

Link Between Cannabis Use and Cardiovascular Risk

A large study conducted by the National Institutes of Health looked at more than 430,000 adults and found that people who smoked cannabis had a significantly higher risk of both heart attacks and strokes. Even among participants who did not use tobacco, daily cannabis smokers were 25% more likely to experience a heart attack and 42% more likely to have a stroke. The researchers noted that inhaling cannabis smoke could trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in blood vessels, much like tobacco smoke does.

Effects on Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Blood Vessels

Other studies are reaching similar conclusions. A recent study showed that cannabis use - including edible formats -  is associated with temporary spikes in blood pressure and heart rate. While those changes may seem minor, they can increase stress on the heart, especially with repeated use over time. The study also noted that cannabis can lead to arrhythmias and vascular inflammation, which can raise the risk of serious cardiovascular events.

Younger Adults Face Heart Attack and Stroke Risk Too

And it is not just older adults who need to be concerned. Another study focused on young adults between the ages of 18 and 44 found that cannabis users in this age group were more likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes, even in the absence of traditional risk factors like high cholesterol or diabetes. That is alarming, particularly given how common cannabis use is among younger individuals.

Should You Be Worried About Using Cannabis?

Cannabis is clearly not risk-free. More research is needed, but current evidence suggests that regular cannabis use may pose real risks to heart health. This is not about judgment. It is about awareness. If you already use cannabis recreationally or are considering it, and especially if you already have risk factors like high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, talk to your healthcare provider. Make sure you have the full picture.  If cannabis is being considered for treatment of a medical condition, be aware that there might be trade-offs and discuss those with your physician.  

Take Control of Your Heart Health

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States. We should be using every opportunity to reduce risk, not increase it. That includes making informed choices about what we put into our bodies—whether it is food, medications, or recreational substances.