With more and more states legalizing marijuana, some doctors are concerned about heart health. According to the American Heart Association chemicals in cannabis have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. A new study from the Canadian Medical Assocation Journal shows that smoking, vaping, and consuming edibles nearly doubles the risk of a heart attack in adults under the age of 45, compared to those who didn’t consume cannabis. 

Dr. Sudhir Mungee, an interventional cardiologist at OSF Health Care says that these new findings aren’t surprising.

Marijuana is considered an alkaloid, which is a plant-based compound that can cause physiological actions on humans including the heart.

Researchers surveyed more than 33,000 adults from 18-44 years of age and 17% reported using marijuana within the past 30 days.  Of those 17% 1.3% later suffered a heart attack.  This was compared to only 0.8% of users who had a heart attack and didn’t use marijuana. 

The AHA advises that cannabis use should be discussed in detail with a health care professional to review your family history of health and any potential risks involved. 

For more information on marijuana and to view this study, click here.