In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers have found that using cannabis, regardless of the method (smoking, eating, or vaping), may raise the risk for heart attacks and strokes. The study, conducted by Dr. Abra Jeffers, a data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital, sheds light on the cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use that have been largely unknown until now.

Dr. Jeffers emphasized that despite the increasing common use of cannabis, its potential risks, especially in terms of cardiovascular health, remain poorly understood. Many individuals perceive smoking cannabis as harmless and have not considered its use dangerous to their overall health. However, the study reveals that smoking cannabis, as the most prevalent method of consumption, may pose additional risks due to the inhalation of particulate matter.

The number of people using marijuana in the United States has significantly increased in recent years, with recreational use being legalized in 24 states and the District of Columbia. In 2019 alone, a federal survey reported that over 48 million individuals aged 12 and older had used marijuana at least once, double the number from 2002. It is worth noting that although marijuana use has been legalized in some states, it remains illegal at the federal level.

Previous research on the link between marijuana use and cardiovascular problems has been limited due to relatively low rates of frequent marijuana use, studies primarily targeting younger populations with low cardiovascular disease risk, and the confounding factor of tobacco product use by many marijuana users. However, the new study aimed to overcome these limitations by analyzing survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including a sample of 434,104 U.S. adults from 2016 to 2020.

The findings of the study revealed that any use of marijuana was associated with a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Individuals who used marijuana daily had a 25% higher likelihood of experiencing a heart attack and a 42% higher likelihood of suffering from a stroke compared to those who did not use marijuana at all. The most common method of cannabis use was smoking, followed by eating or vaping.

Furthermore, the study found that among men under 55 and women under 65 who were at risk for heart disease, marijuana use resulted in a 36% higher combined risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, regardless of whether they also used tobacco products. Even when focusing solely on individuals who had never used tobacco products or e-cigarettes, the increased odds persisted.

Dr. Robert L. Page II, who chaired the writing group for a 2020 American Heart Association statement on marijuana's effects on cardiovascular health, commented on the new findings, stating that it should be a "call to action for all practitioners." He urged healthcare professionals to assess cannabis use during patient encounters and engage in nonjudgmental, shared decision conversations about potential cardiovascular risks and strategies to mitigate those risks.

As cannabis use continues to grow in legality and accessibility across the United States, it becomes crucial for healthcare providers to be informed about the potential hazards associated with its consumption. This research adds to the body of evidence that suggests smoking cannabis poses substantial cardiovascular risks similar to smoking tobacco.