Cannabis Linked to Higher Heart Attack, Stroke Risk Than Cocaine, Study Warns

A major new study is raising red flags about cannabis use, suggesting it may pose a greater risk to heart health than even cocaine or opioids. French researchers, in a meta-analysis published in the journal Heart, dug into data from over 400 million patients across 24 studies, examining the link between cannabis and serious cardiovascular events.

The findings are sobering: cannabis users face a 29% higher risk of heart attack, a 20% increased chance of stroke, and a staggering doubled risk of cardiovascular death. Weekly users, in particular, showed heightened dangers. Younger folks, aged 15 to 22, and those using cannabis more than once a week were especially vulnerable to heart attacks, according to specific studies in the review.

One surprising twist? Cannabis outranked other illicit drugs like cocaine as a predictor of heart attack in a French hospital database. Another study of nearly 15,000 patients aged 18 to 54 found a higher risk of acute coronary syndrome in younger adults, particularly those 18 to 36. For those who’ve had a heart attack before age 50, cannabis use was linked to increased overall and cardiovascular mortality.

Women, too, face unique risks. A UK Biobank analysis revealed they have a significantly higher chance of cardiovascular death compared to men. While medical marijuana can ease conditions like arthritis or cancer, the study warns that overuse—especially among seniors—carries serious health risks, from lung damage to accelerated dementia.

But the research isn’t without flaws. The authors noted gaps in how cannabis exposure was reported and potential biases in patient surveys. Still, the evidence is strong enough to urge doctors to screen for cannabis use in patients with heart issues. As legalization spreads, these findings suggest we may have underestimated the health costs of cannabis, particularly when used regularly.