A study of nearly 450,000 American adults has found a link between cannabis use and an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, regardless of the frequency or method of consumption. The findings are scheduled to be presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions in November.
Researchers analyzed data collected between 2020 and 2024 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The study indicated that individuals who reported using cannabis between one and five days per month had a 23% higher likelihood of reporting a history of cardiovascular disease compared to non-users. Those using cannabis 16 to 30 days per month had a 21% higher likelihood.
Interestingly, the study found a stronger association with stroke risk at lower frequencies of use. People using cannabis one to five days per month showed a 40% higher odds of a reported stroke, while heavy users (16 to 30 days per month) had 25% higher odds. No statistically significant link was found between cannabis use and heart attacks.
"We were surprised to find that the link between cannabis use and cardiovascular disease was not straightforward," said lead author Dr. Aabha Divya, an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Tulane University School of Medicine. "We expected that the chances of heart disease would gradually rise as people used cannabis more often, but that wasn't the case. Both low-use and heavy-use groups had higher odds of developing heart disease."
The method of consumption did not appear to affect the risk, with smoking, vaping, and edibles showing similar associations. This finding challenges the assumption that certain consumption methods might be safer than others.
Dr. Kristen "Nicke" Worth, a physician and medical adviser at NuggMD, who was not involved in the study, noted the unexpected finding regarding stroke risk and frequency. "One finding I found particularly interesting was that people who used cannabis just one to five days per month had somewhat higher reported odds of a previous stroke than people who used it more frequently," she stated.
The study highlights a significant increase in cannabis use across the country. In 2024, approximately one in six adults reported past-month cannabis use, a 51% increase from one in 10 in 2020. Dr. Robert L. Page II, a professor at the University of Colorado and an American Heart Association volunteer expert, commented that these findings challenge common assumptions about the drug's safety. "Overall, cannabis is beginning to emerge as a major contributor to premature heart disease in young and older adults, which can lead to serious cardiovascular events," Page said.
Researchers acknowledged several limitations. The study was observational, meaning it can only show a statistical link and cannot definitively prove causation. The data relied on self-reported information from telephone surveys, which may be subject to recall bias. Additionally, the study did not account for product strength, THC potency, or the total amount of cannabis consumed.
Health experts advise that patients should not make abrupt treatment decisions based on these preliminary findings. "People should not discontinue prescribed cardiovascular medications because of this report," Worth advised. "Anyone using cannabis, medically or recreationally, should discuss their cardiovascular history, existing risk factors, medications, and treatment alternatives with their healthcare professional."