USA TODAY
A new study shows that young people who consume marijuana are six times more likely to experience a heart attack than their counterparts.
Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) documents that people under the age of 50 who consume marijuana are about 6.2 times more likely to experience a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, than non-marijuana users. Young marijuana users are also 4.3 times more likely to experience an ischemic stroke and 2 times more likely to experience heart failure, the study shows.
Researchers surveyed over 4.6 million people under the age of 50, of which 4.5 million do not use marijuana and 93,000 do. All participants were free of health conditions commonly associated with cardiovascular risks, like hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and a history of myocardial infarctions. The study also excluded people who use tobacco to eliminate another potential risk factor.
A man smokes a joint during the International Marijuana Day celebration at Almagro Park in Santiago on April 20, 2023.
Ahmed Mahmoud, lead researcher and clinical instructor at Boston University, told USA TODAY that though the numbers appear significant, researchers’ biggest concern right now is studying more data, as research on marijuana’s effects on the cardiovascular system remains limited.
“Until we have more solid data, I advise users to try to somehow put some regulation in the using of cannabis,” Mahmoud said. “We are not sure if it’s totally, 100% safe for your heart by any amount or any duration of exposure.”