A major analysis of data from 24 studies involving more than 200 million people finds those who used marijuana had significantly higher odds of acute coronary syndrome, stroke and death from heart disease.
A large, new study warns marijuana use may double the risk of dying from heart disease.
Researchers say while previous investigations have linked pot to heart problems, the magnitude of the risk hasn’t been clear.
Their new analysis pooled data from 24 observational studies published between 2016 and 2023 that included more than 200 million users and non-users. The participants were mostly 19 – 59 years of age.
The results linked marijuana to several serious cardiovascular outcomes, including 29% higher odds of acute coronary syndrome, where blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced or blocked; 20% higher odds for stroke; and double the risk of dying from heart disease.
The authors of an accompanying editorial say, given these findings, heart disease prevention must be incorporated into the regulation of marijuana.
“Specifically,” they say, “cannabis should be treated like tobacco: not criminalized, but discouraged, with protection of bystanders from secondhand exposure.”
They also say effective product warnings and education on the risks must be required.
More research is needed to determine whether these heart risks are limited to inhaled products or extend to other forms of marijuana.
Source: Heart
Author Affiliations: University of Toulouse, Toulouse University Hospital, Strasbourg Regional University Hospital, Paris-Saclay University
Editorial Author Affiliations: University of California San Francisco, Public Health Institute
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