Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 1 hr ago
Occasional cannabis use linked to higher reported stroke history
A preliminary study linked cannabis use with reported stroke history among adults in the United States.
Researchers analyzed information from 442,906 adults, including their cannabis use and whether they had experienced or been diagnosed with cardiovascular problems.
People who used cannabis one to five days a month had 40% higher odds of reporting a stroke history than people who reported no recent use.
The study was presented at the American Heart Association’s 2026 Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
It was observational and relied on participants’ own reports, so it cannot show that cannabis caused strokes.
A cardiologist said THC may affect heart rate and blood pressure, while smoke may cause inflammation, but the study does not establish these as causes of the observed link.
The findings raise a warning about possible cardiovascular risks even with occasional use, but no further research or action is specified.
A preliminary study found that adults reporting cannabis use one to five days per month had 40% higher odds of reporting a history of stroke than those reporting no recent use.
The study analyzed data from 442,906 adults in the United States.
Researchers said the findings show an association and do not prove that cannabis use causes strokes.
The study was presented at the American Heart Association’s 2026 Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
A cardiologist cited possible effects of THC on heart rate and blood pressure, and toxins in cannabis smoke.
- Who
- Researchers analyzed reports from 442,906 U.S. adults. Cardiologist Vagner Ferreira discussed the findings.
- What
- The study found an association between occasional cannabis use and higher reported odds of stroke history.
- When
- The study was presented November 6–9, 2026.
- Where
- The study was presented in Chicago, United States.
- Why
- The researchers examined whether cannabis use was associated with cardiovascular disease. The sources do not state a definitive cause for the association.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The study was presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
CNN Brasil published its report on the study.
- Study sample
- 442,906 U.S. adults
- Cannabis use frequency
- One to five days per month
- Reported stroke history
- 40% higher odds among occasional users than among people reporting no recent use
- Study setting
- American Heart Association 2026 Scientific Sessions, Chicago
- Study design
- Observational analysis based on participants’ self-reported information
What people are saying
Still, the results reinforce an important warning: we cannot consider occasional cannabis use a practice free of cardiovascular risks.
There is also evidence that cannabis can impair the function of the endothelium, which is the inner layer of blood vessels and plays a fundamental role in regulating circulation.
In addition, marijuana smoke contains toxic substances from combustion, which can cause inflammation and impair the supply of oxygen to tissues.