As more states embrace recreational and medical marijuana, researchers continue digging into its potential health effects—and the latest data raises some serious flags. Two new studies, one published in the Journal of the American Heart Association and another reported by USA Today, point to a heightened risk of heart attack among younger adults who regularly use cannabis, especially those under 45.
Elevated Cardiovascular Risk Among Regular Users
The research, which analyzed health data from over 430,000 U.S. adults aged 18 to 74, found a clear connection: daily cannabis users under 45 were significantly more likely to report having had a heart attack compared to non-users. And we’re not talking about just a small uptick—this group showed nearly double the risk in some cases. The risk appeared even higher in individuals who smoked cannabis rather than consumed it in edible or topical form.
Methodology That Hits Close to Home
The researchers used a combination of self-reported cannabis use and national health survey data spanning several years. Importantly, they adjusted for a wide variety of other factors like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and socioeconomic background to isolate the cannabis link. Their conclusion? While causality hasn’t been definitively proven, the correlation is strong enough to warrant concern—especially with so many young adults turning to marijuana for stress, sleep, and recreation.
Public Health Messaging Still Lags Behind
Here’s the rub: as cannabis legalization expands across the U.S., public health education hasn’t quite caught up. Many people still perceive cannabis as a risk-free alternative to tobacco or alcohol, particularly when it’s used for medical reasons. But the science is starting to suggest we should be more cautious—especially if you’re young, otherwise healthy, and using cannabis regularly.
If you’re a cannabis user under 45, this might be the nudge to talk with your doctor, cut back, or rethink how you consume. Legal doesn’t always mean harmless.
