Myths and Truths About Marijuana: What a New Study Reveals About Heart Health

• Marijuana Doubles Heart Disease Risk
• Young People Without Risk Factors Affected
• High THC Linked to Greater Vascular Damage

An international study analyzing data from over 200 million people has sounded the alarm: marijuana use may double the risk of dying from heart disease.

As legalization expands worldwide, science warns that the cardiovascular effects of cannabis might be underestimated.

Here’s what you need to know about the latest findings.

What New Study Reveals About Marijuana

1. Marijuana Doubles the Risk of Death from Heart Disease

The meta-analysis, published in the journal Heart, found that people who use cannabis have twice the risk of dying from cardiovascular causes.

They also have a 29% higher chance of having a heart attack and a 20% higher risk of stroke.

2. Young People Without Risk Factors Are Also at Risk

One striking finding is that many affected patients were young adults (aged 19 to 59) with no history of smoking or known risk factors.

In other words, they didn’t fit the “classic” profile for heart disease patients.

3. Smoking Marijuana Isn’t Safer Than Smoking Tobacco

Inhaling cannabis smoke can be as harmful as tobacco smoke.

Both contain toxins that damage blood vessels and increase clotting risks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

4. THC Edibles Also Impact Heart Health

Researchers at the University of California found that people who consume THC edibles also show impaired vascular function—sometimes even more so than those who smoke cannabis.

5. Today’s Cannabis Is Far More Potent

Modern products can have THC concentrations as high as 99%. This makes them more addictive and potentially more dangerous, especially for mental and cardiovascular health.

Dr. Lynn Silver warns that the market has evolved faster than health regulations.

6. The Myth of “Natural Means Safe”

Believing marijuana is harmless simply because it’s “natural” is a mistake.

Dr. Beth Cohen explains that burning any plant—whether tobacco or marijuana—produces toxic substances that can harm the body.

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7. A Risk Overlooked by Healthcare Systems

The study suggests healthcare professionals should start screening for marijuana use and educating patients about its risks, just as they do with tobacco.

8. Addiction and Other Concerning Effects

Nearly one-third of cannabis users develop cannabis use disorder. Chronic use has also been linked to psychosis, uncontrollable vomiting, and schizophrenia.

Although marijuana is often promoted as a “natural” remedy for pain relief, stress reduction, or insomnia, recent findings suggest it’s time to reconsider its use from a more informed perspective.

Science is still uncovering the long-term effects of cannabis, but what we know so far indicates its impact on heart health should not be taken lightly.

What do you think? Do you believe there needs to be more information about the risks of cannabis, or is the debate being exaggerated?

SOURCE: CNN / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / Dr. Émilie Jouanjus, University of Toulouse