New research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicates that using cannabis, through smoking, eating, or vaping, may elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study, analyzing survey data from 434,104 U.S. adults between 2016 and 2020, found that cannabis users had a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, independent of tobacco use or other cardiovascular risk factors. This increase in risk was more pronounced in frequent users, with daily cannabis use associated with a 25% higher likelihood of heart attack and 42% higher odds of stroke compared to non-users. The findings underscore the cardiovascular dangers of cannabis use, particularly through smoking, which is the most common consumption method. This research emerges amid growing cannabis legalization and usage in the U.S., challenging the decreasing public perception of its health risks and highlighting the need for healthcare practitioners to discuss these potential dangers with patients.
