Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Death Associated with Cannabis Use
A recent study links cannabis use to a doubled risk of death from cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the need for regulatory measures and further research into its health impacts.
Recent research indicates that cannabis consumption may significantly elevate the risk of cardiovascular-related mortality. A comprehensive analysis of real-world data, published in the journal Heart, reveals that individuals who use cannabis are twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease compared to non-users. Moreover, cannabis users show a 29% increased risk of experiencing acute coronary syndrome, such as heart attacks, and a 20% higher likelihood of stroke. The study incorporated data from 24 large observational studies, encompassing approximately 200 million people, with participants mostly between 19 and 59 years old. Findings suggest that most users tend to be younger males.
The authors emphasize the importance of viewing cannabis similarly to tobacco—discouraging its use rather than criminalizing it—due to its potential health hazards. They highlight that the rising legalization and increased potency of cannabis and cannabinoids, along with the diversification of products like concentrates and edibles, may contribute to heightened cardiovascular risks. Despite limitations such as potential biases and the observational nature of included studies, the analysis offers compelling evidence of a link between cannabis use and major cardiovascular events.
In an accompanying editorial, experts from the University of California stress that current perceptions of cannabis as a low-risk drug need reevaluation. They advocate for integrating cannabis into cardiovascular disease prevention frameworks, ensuring consumer protections, and regulating marketing with clear health warnings. The overarching goal is to mitigate health risks by developing comprehensive policies that address the evolving landscape of cannabis consumption.
Overall, this study calls for more detailed research to understand the mechanisms behind these risks and to empower policymakers to make informed decisions about cannabis regulation, emphasizing its potential impact on public cardiovascular health.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-cannabis-linked-cardiovascular-disease-death.html
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