A significant study on cannabis reveals its unexpected effects on the heart and brain

Does frequent cannabis use impact our heart and brain? A recent observational study supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) sheds light on this question, suggesting that regular consumption of this plant could be a significant risk factor for cardiovascular health.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 435,000 adults in the United States, through the national survey on Behavioral Risk Factors from 2016 to 2020. This extensive study revealed that daily cannabis use, mainly by inhalation, was associated with a 25% increase in the risk of heart attack and a 42% increase in the risk of stroke compared to those who do not use it. Even weekly consumption was linked to a slight increase in cardiovascular risk.


According to Abra Jeffers, Ph.D., data analyst at Massachusetts General Hospital and corresponding author of the study, the combustion of cannabis releases toxins similar to those found in tobacco smoke, known for their connection with heart diseases. This observation reinforces the idea that smoking cannabis could also be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death in the United States.

Cannabis has significantly increased in popularity over the last twenty years, especially with the legalization of its recreational use in 24 American states. However, despite its increased availability, knowledge about the harmful effects of cannabis remains limited. Researchers emphasize the importance of continuing studies to better understand the mechanisms by which cannabis affects cardiovascular health, particularly through the endocannabinoid receptors present in cardiovascular tissues.

This research raises crucial questions about the implications of cannabis consumption for public health, especially in terms of cardiovascular diseases. It calls for including questions about cannabis use in routine medical examinations, similar to what is done for tobacco, to deepen our understanding of the long-term effects of this plant on the body.