Report: Cannabis Use Increases the Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

Practice

Cannabis use increases the risk for heart attack and stroke, including among young people with no prior history of cardiovascular issues, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data on 200 million people aged 19 to 59 and found that cannabis users had a 29% higher risk of heart attack and 30% higher risk of stroke compared to nonusers. Cannabis users also were twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease.

What’s more, a growing body of research links cannabis use during pregnancy with higher risks for stillbirth, preterm birth, and lower birth weight. Cannabis use also is associated with harmful effects on mental health, lung health, and brain function. The announcement was written by members of the national initiative to prevent prenatal substance use, of which NASW and the NASW Foundation are members.