- Preliminary new research suggests that cannabis use may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- The link remained regardless of how people consumed marijuana.
- Cardiologists explain what we know about how THC can affect your blood vessels.
As the legalization of recreational marijuana becomes more widespread, more and more folks are taking part. In 2024, one in six adults reported having used cannabis within the last month compared to one in 10 people in 2020. The growth in popularity inevitably raises the question: Is marijuana use safe—or might it be hurting our health?
Meet the experts: Sirisha Vadali, M.D., a board-certified cardiologist, advanced lipidologist, and program director of HonorHealth’s cardiometabolic program; and Travis Benzing, M.D., a cardiologist with Harbor Health.
New research digs into the issue a little deeper and raises some concerns about what cannabis might be doing to our hearts specifically.
The preliminary findings, to be presented at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2026, linked getting high—no matter the marijuana modality (say, smoking versus edibles)—with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially stro...