Health · Medical Research · 2 hrs ago
Cannabis use linked to higher odds of stroke and heart disease
A preliminary study linked cannabis use to higher odds of heart disease and stroke among nearly 450,000 U.S. adults.
Researchers examined survey responses collected from 2020 to 2024, comparing people who used cannabis with those who did not.
People using cannabis one to five days a month had 23% higher odds of reporting cardiovascular disease, while those using it 16 to 30 days had 21% higher odds.
Less frequent users had higher reported odds of stroke than heavy users, but this unexpected pattern does not mean heavier use is safer.
The link appeared across smoking, vaping and edible use, and researchers found no statistically significant link with heart attacks.
The findings show an association, not proof that cannabis causes disease, and the research has not yet been peer-reviewed.
The study is due to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026, and more research is needed to understand the results.
A preliminary study linked cannabis use with higher odds of cardiovascular disease, particularly stroke.
The analysis covered survey responses from nearly 450,000 U.S. adults collected between 2020 and 2024.
Compared with non-users, people using cannabis one to five days a month had 23% higher odds of reporting cardiovascular disease, while those using it 16 to 30 days had 21% higher odds.
Low-frequency users had 40% higher odds of reporting a previous stroke, compared with 25% higher odds among heavy users.
Researchers found no statistically significant link between cannabis use and heart attacks, and the observational findings do not establish cause and effect.
- Who
- Researchers analyzed survey responses from nearly 450,000 U.S. adults.
- What
- Cannabis use was associated with higher odds of cardiovascular disease, especially stroke.
- When
- Survey responses were collected from 2020 to 2024; the findings were scheduled for presentation at the AHA Scientific Sessions 2026.
- Where
- The survey respondents were in the United States. The AHA meeting was scheduled for Chicago.
- Why
- The study examined the association between cannabis use and cardiovascular health; it did not establish why the association occurs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Researchers analyzed survey responses collected through the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
About one in six adults reported past-month cannabis use, up from one in 10 in 2020.
The findings were scheduled for presentation at the AHA Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
- Study sample
- Nearly 450,000 U.S. adults
- Survey period
- 2020–2024
- Cannabis use, 1–5 days monthly
- 23% higher odds of reported cardiovascular disease than non-use
- Cannabis use, 16–30 days monthly
- 21% higher odds of reported cardiovascular disease than non-use
- Reported stroke odds
- 40% higher for low-frequency users; 25% higher for heavy users
- Heart attacks
- No statistically significant link with cannabis-use frequency
2 sources
What people are saying
This is an early, observational study, so it shows an association, not cause and effect.
We were surprised to find that the link between cannabis use and cardiovascular disease was not straightforward.
That isn't what we'd necessarily expect from a straightforward dose-response relationship, where greater exposure is associated with greater risk.
People should not discontinue prescribed cardiovascular medications because of this report.