Association of Cannabis Use With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Adults

Association of Cannabis Use With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Adults

Abra M. Jeffers, Stanton Glantz, Amy L. Byers, Salomeh Keyhani
Journal of the American Heart Association, March 5, 2024; 13(5):e030178
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.030178
PMID: 38415581 • PMCID: PMC10944074

✅ Conclusion:

Cannabis use—especially daily use—is associated with significantly increased odds of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, even among nonsmokers and younger adults. The more days used per month, the greater the risk.

🧪 Methods:

  • Design: Cross-sectional study using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) data (2016–2020)

  • Population: 434,104 U.S. adults aged 18–74 from 27 states + 2 territories

  • Exposure: Days of cannabis use in the past 30 days

  • Outcomes: Self-reported:

    • Coronary heart disease (CHD)

    • Myocardial infarction (MI)

    • Stroke

    • Composite: CHD + MI + stroke

  • Analysis: Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for tobacco and other risk factors

📊 Key Findings:

🌿 Daily Cannabis Use (General Population):

  • Myocardial Infarction (MI): aOR 1.25 (95% CI: 1.07–1.46)

  • Stroke: aOR 1.42 (95% CI: 1.20–1.68)

  • Composite outcome (CHD/MI/Stroke): aOR 1.28 (95% CI: 1.13–1.44)

🚭 Among Never-Tobacco Users:

  • MI: aOR 1.49 (95% CI: 1.03–2.15)

  • Stroke: aOR 2.16 (95% CI: 1.43–3.25)

  • Composite: aOR 1.77 (95% CI: 1.31–2.40)

🧑⚕️ Among Younger Adults (Men <55, Women <65):

  • Results similar to full cohort; cannabis use still associated with increased cardiovascular risk

Jeffers, A.M., Glantz, S., Byers, A.L. and Keyhani, S., 2024. Association of cannabis use with cardiovascular outcomes among US adults. Journal of the American Heart Association, 13(5), p.e030178.

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