Morning Checkup: Medical marijuana may be doing more harm than good 

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A new study shows marijuana use is linked to heart disease, which is the number one killer domestically and globally. Almost 700,000 Americans die annually of heart disease, about 1 in 5 people.  

Released just last month, this is one of the largest studies to date looking at the connection between marijuana use and heart disease. 

The findings come from a systematic review and meta-analysis of data from observational studies conducted here in the US, Canada, Egypt, France, Sweden and Australia, from 2016 to 2023. 

What did the study show?

Using marijuana doubles the risk of dying from heart disease, according to pooled data involving 200 million people, ages 19 to 59, on average. 

Compared to nonusers, those who used cannabis had almost a 30% higher risk of heart attacks and a 20% higher risk of stroke. 

We’ve known for years that cigarette use is a risk factor for heart disease, leading to public health policies and recent declining rates. While cigarette use rates are declining, marijuana use rates are up. Many see it as a harmless alternative.  

Does marijuana use cause heart disease? 

More research and larger studies are needed. We do know there is an association between marijuana use, both inhalation and ingestion, and cardiovascular disease.

People may want to think twice about their medical marijuana or the edible at the next social gathering. Healthcare teams should inquire about drug use and definitely for individuals presenting with cardiovascular disease and risk factors for it.  

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