A new analysis of pooled medical data involving 200 million people has found that using marijuana doubles the risk of dying from heart disease. The study, published in the journal Heart, also found that cannabis users had a 29% higher risk for heart attacks and a 20% higher risk for stroke compared to nonusers.
The research, which included people mostly between the ages of 19 and 59, suggests that marijuana use may be a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease. According to senior author Émilie Jouanjus, an associate professor of pharmacology at the University of Toulouse, France, the findings are particularly striking given the young age of the patients and the lack of cardiovascular risk factors.
The study’s results are concerning, especially given the growing trend of marijuana use and the increasing potency of cannabis products. Dr. Lynn Silver, a clinical professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco, noted that the cannabis market is a “moving target” with products getting more potent every day. Concentrates can be 99% pure THC, and vapes can be over 80% THC, which can have very different effects on people compared to smoking a joint in the 1970s.
Higher potency weed is contributing to a host of problems, including an increase in addiction. A July 2022 study found that consuming high-potency weed was linked to a fourfold increased risk of dependence. In the United States, about 3 in 10 people who use marijuana have cannabis use disorder, the medical term for marijuana addiction.
Experts say it’s time to think twice about the potential harms of cannabis use, especially if heart disease is a concern. Dr. Silver advises people, especially those with cardiovascular risk, to be cautious about using cannabis. “If I was a 60-year-old person who had some heart disease risk, I would be very cautious about using cannabis,” she said.
The study’s findings highlight the need for more research on the risks of marijuana use and for clinicians to screen people for cannabis use and educate them about its harms. Regulatory bodies also need to focus more strongly on health warnings that educate people about the real risks of cannabis use.
Overall, the study suggests that marijuana use may be a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease, and people should be aware of the potential risks. As the cannabis market continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed about the potential harms and benefits of cannabis use.
