New meta-analysis sheds light on the cardiovascular risks of cannabis
📊 Key Findings at a Glance
Heart attack or chest pain: 29% higher risk among cannabis users
Stroke: 20% higher risk
Cardiovascular death: More than double the risk
While correlation doesn’t prove causation, the data is compelling enough to warrant extra caution in patients with known moderate-to-severe cardiovascular disease.
🌿 Not All Cannabis Products Are Equal
Product type appears to matter—something pharmacists should be ready to address in patient counseling:
Vapes and concentrates deliver high doses of THC quickly, intensifying cardiovascular stress.
Edibles carry a delayed onset and longer duration, often leading to accidental overconsumption.
Smoked cannabis enters the bloodstream rapidly, with inhalation itself potentially adding pulmonary strain.
CBD-only products may carry less risk, but many unregulated products still contain trace amounts of THC.
As cannabis becomes more widely used among younger adults, questions about cardiovascular safety are growing. A new meta-analysis was recently published in the journal Heart that looked closely at how cannabis use may be connected to serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease. The findings suggest that cannabis use poses some risks to the heart and brain that had been suspected but not adequately studied.
Researchers in this review analyzed twenty-four recent studies published between 2016 and 2023. These studies included adults, most under age 55, and compared cannabis users with non-users. They focused on outcomes like acute coronary syndrome (which includes heart attacks), strokes, and cardiovascular-related death.
Across the studies, cannabis users were found to have a 29% higher risk of heart attacks and chest pain, a 20% higher risk of strokes, and more than double the risk of dying from heart-related disease. While the studies do not suggest that cannabis caused these events, they do suggest a strong link.
One possible explanation lies in how THC affects the body. THC can increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, and narrow blood vessels. Together, these effects can strain the cardiovascular system, especially in people who already have underlying heart conditions or risk factors like high blood pressure or tobacco smoking.
The type of cannabis product used may also influence risk. For example, high-THC concentrates and vape products deliver large doses of THC rapidly, potentially causing more pronounced effects on the heart. Edibles may seem milder, but because they take longer to digest, users may consume more than intended, leading to stronger and longer-lasting effects. Inhaled cannabis—joints, pipes, or vaporizers—delivers THC quickly into the bloodstream. This direct route may place sudden demands on the heart. Products labeled “CBD-only” may carry less cardiovascular risk, but it's important to know that some contain trace amounts of THC.
It’s worth noting that most of the studies reviewed had limitations. Many didn’t measure exact dosage or frequency of cannabis use. Several were cross-sectional, capturing only a snapshot in time rather than long-term outcomes. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, alcohol use, or other drug exposure also play a role and were not always controlled for.
Still, the overall trend was clear: cannabis use—particularly frequent use of high-THC products—was associated with a greater likelihood of serious cardiovascular events. This doesn’t mean that every person who uses cannabis is at risk, but it does suggest that cannabis use should be part of the conversation when assessing heart and brain health. It’s also unclear if CBD content in cannabis products plays a role in increasing or decreasing the risk.
For now, clinicians and patients alike should approach cannabis use with informed caution. If someone has symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, or signs of stroke, it is important for their healthcare provider to know about any cannabis use—just as they would need to know about tobacco or alcohol. More research is needed, but the takeaway is simple: cannabis is not risk-free, especially when it comes to heart and brain health.
📊 Key Findings at a Glance
Heart attack or chest pain: 29% higher risk among cannabis users
Stroke: 20% higher risk
Cardiovascular death: More than double the risk
While correlation doesn’t prove causation, the data is compelling enough to warrant extra caution in patients with known moderate-to-severe cardiovascular disease.
🌿 Not All Cannabis Products Are Equal
Product type appears to matter—something pharmacists should be ready to address in patient counseling:
Vapes and concentrates deliver high doses of THC quickly, intensifying cardiovascular stress.
Edibles carry a delayed onset and longer duration, often leading to accidental overconsumption.
Smoked cannabis enters the bloodstream rapidly, with inhalation itself potentially adding pulmonary strain.
CBD-only products may carry less risk, but many unregulated products still contain trace amounts of THC.
Reference:
Suryadevara V, Singh S, Rawal B, et al. Cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart. Published online 10 June 2025. doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2024-325429.