Hidden Heart Risks: Marijuana’s Underrated Danger to Cardiovascular Health
As cannabis becomes increasingly mainstream—both legally and socially—a growing body of evidence is urging us to pause and reconsider. A landmark meta-analysis published in Heart reveals that regular marijuana use may double your risk of dying from heart disease. Contrary to the popular belief that cannabis is a natural, risk-free alternative to tobacco or alcohol, science paints a far more sobering picture.
And importantly, these risks are not limited to smoking. New research confirms that edibles, vapes, and other non-smoked forms of cannabis may also impair cardiovascular health.
What the Research Shows
A sweeping analysis of 24 large-scale studies involving nearly 200 million people across six countries found:
Twice the risk of death from cardiovascular disease among cannabis users compared to non-users
29% higher risk of acute coronary syndrome (such as heart attacks)
20% increased risk of stroke
Significantly reduced blood vessel function, even in young, otherwise healthy individuals
These findings were consistent across various forms of cannabis consumption—including smoking, vaping, and edibles2.
What Happens to the Heart?
Cannabis affects the cardiovascular system in ways that may quietly build toward lasting harm:
Elevated Heart Rate: THC stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing resting heart rate by 20–50 beats per minute and placing added stress on the heart
Blood Pressure Spikes and Drops: This fluctuation increases vulnerability to hypertensive events and long-term vascular damage
Endothelial Dysfunction: Cannabis reduces the ability of blood vessels to contract and expand, a key early marker of atherosclerosis and heart disease
Irregular Heart Rhythms: Cannabis use has been linked to arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and, in rare cases, sudden cardiac arrest—even in otherwise healthy people
Oxygen Deprivation: Smoke exposure delivers carbon monoxide into the bloodstream, restricting oxygen flow to the heart during physical or emotional stress
Increased Clotting Potential: THC may increase platelet aggregation, raising the risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke3
What About Edibles?
Many assume that edibles are a safer alternative to smoking cannabis. But the evidence says otherwise:
A UCSF study found that arterial function was reduced by nearly 50% in both edible and smoked cannabis users compared to non-users
Edibles may avoid respiratory irritation, but they still impair vascular health, increase blood pressure, and may lead to behavioral and psychiatric symptoms
Because edibles take longer to take effect, users often overconsume, increasing the risk of overdose and acute cardiovascular symptoms
In fact, some studies suggest that edibles may pose equal or greater cardiovascular risks than smoking due to delayed onset, inconsistent dosing, and higher THC concentrations2.
The Perception Gap
Despite mounting evidence, cannabis continues to be widely perceived as safe:
Daily cannabis use has quadrupled among adults aged 19–30 since 1990
More than 1 in 10 young adults now use marijuana daily—surpassing cigarette use
Marketing and social media often portray cannabis as “natural,” “therapeutic,” or “harmless”
Edibles and vapes are often packaged like candy, further minimizing perceived risk—especially among teens6
This disconnect between public perception and medical reality is a critical gap in public health education. As Dr. Abra Jeffers of Massachusetts General Hospital noted, “The perceptions of the harmfulness of smoking cannabis are decreasing, and people have not considered cannabis use dangerous to their health”.
Why This Matters for Prevention Messaging
Prevention only works when the messaging reflects the full scope of harm. If young people believe cannabis only threatens their motivation or memory—but not their hearts—they’re unlikely to take the risk seriously. The same goes for parents, clinicians, and policymakers.
Cannabis-related ER visits are rising, often involving cardiovascular symptoms like chest pain or palpitations
Teens and young adults are especially vulnerable, as many of the cardiovascular effects occur without prior warning signs
Clinicians often don’t screen for cannabis use when patients present with heart symptoms, especially if they’re young and otherwise healthy
Educating the public about cannabis-related heart risks could be a game-changer, shifting behavior before it becomes addiction or crisis.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about fear—it’s about facts. The science is clear: cannabis use, in any form, carries real and measurable risks to heart health. And as legalization spreads, so must awareness.
For more information, help, and resources, please visit www.steeredstraight.org or call (856) 691-6676
Our mission is to steer youth straight toward making sound, rational decisions through a learning experience that provides a message of reality to help them make positive, informed choices.
