Cannabis use related to stroke

The prevalence of cannabis use has increased from 10% in 2002 to 18% in 2019 among US adults. The number of cases of cannabis disorder has also increased sharply over time in the US. This could be because of the decreasing perception of the harmfulness of cannabis use in the general population. National surveys find that the percentage of people believing in health risks associated with cannabis use has decreased from 50% in 2002 to 28% in 2019.

Cannabis use is known to be associated with atherosclerotic heart disease. Tetrahydrocannabinol is an active compound of cannabis, which has been found to increase the risk of syncope, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Cannabis is predominantly inhaled through smoking, which can exert an additional negative impact on the cardiovascular system.

In a new study, scientists have analyzed 2016 – 2020 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey to determine the association between cannabis use and cardiovascular outcomes among US adults.

The study finds that cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke and that the association becomes stronger for those with a higher frequency of cannabis use per month.

Overall, the findings highlight the need for screening patients for cannabis use and advising them to quit the habit in order to reduce the risk of premature cardiovascular disease and cardiac events.

Source: Jeffers AM. 2024. Association of Cannabis Use With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Adults. Journal of the American Heart Association, DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.030178