New Research Highlights Significant Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Cannabis Use

OG article

June 19, 2025

A study published on June 17, 2025, in the journal Heart reveals a substantial link between cannabis use and increased cardiovascular risks. Researchers found that cannabis use is associated with a doubled risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease, a 29% higher risk of acute coronary syndrome, and a 20% elevated risk of stroke. The findings are based on an analysis of 24 studies conducted between 2016 and 2023.

The authors stated, “Our results provide a comprehensive assessment of the current impact of cannabis use on cardiovascular health.” However, they noted limitations, including potential inaccuracies in dosage measurements, which may affect the precision of the findings.

With recreational cannabis legalized in 24 states, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is pursuing reclassification of cannabis to a less restrictive category under the Controlled Substances Act. Concurrently, cannabis use has surged, with a 2024 Carnegie Mellon University report indicating that daily cannabis users now outnumber daily alcohol consumers for the first time. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger demographics, with a 2022 New Frontier Data survey reporting that 69% of individuals aged 18 to 24 prefer cannabis over alcohol.

Health experts Dr. Lynn Silver of the Public Health Institute and Dr. Stanton Glantz, emeritus professor at the University of California, San Francisco, addressed the declining public perception of cannabis-related risks in an editorial accompanying the study. They emphasized the need to recognize the potential health implications highlighted by the research. The authors advocated for treating cannabis similarly to tobacco, suggesting it should not be criminalized but discouraged through public health measures, including protections against secondhand exposure.

The study underscores the importance of further research and public awareness as cannabis use continues to rise, urging policymakers to balance regulatory changes with evidence-based health protections.