New preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026 suggests that cannabis use, including marijuana, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with the strongest link observed for stroke. The findings, based on an analysis of nearly half a million U.S. adults, highlight the growing importance of considering cannabis use when assessing cardiovascular risk, especially as its use becomes more common.
The study, led by Aabha Divya, M.B.B.S., M.Ch., an assistant professor at Tulane University School of Medicine, analyzed pooled data from 442,906 adults who responded to telephone surveys as part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) between 2020 and 2024. Participants reported their cannabis use frequency and whether they had ever been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, or coronary heart disease. The analysis adjusted for multiple risk factors such as demographics, tobacco smoking, alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity.
Compared with non-users, those who used cannabis 1 to 5 days per month had 23% higher odds of reporting a history of cardiovascular disease, while heavy users (16 to 30 days per month) had 21% higher odds. The association was most pronounced for stroke: low-frequency use was linked to 40% higher odds of stroke, and heavy use to 25% higher odds. No statistically significant association was found between cannabis use frequency and heart attack.
“We were surprised to find that the link between cannabis use and cardiovascular disease was not straightforward,” Divya said. “Both low-use and heavy-use groups had higher odds of developing heart disease.” She emphasized that as cannabis use becomes more common, it is increasingly important for patients and healthcare professionals to include it in conversations about cardiovascular health, just as they discuss tobacco and alcohol.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence. Robert L. Page II, Pharm.D., M.S.P.H., FAHA, chair of the writing group for the American Heart Association’s 2020 cannabis scientific statement, noted that many patients who use cannabis may also smoke tobacco, complicating risk assessment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. “This is the second observational study to suggest that cannabis exposure (without tobacco smoking) may be a potential risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease,” Page said. “Cannabis is beginning to emerge as a major contributor to premature heart disease.”
The study has limitations: it is cross-sectional, relies on self-reported data, and lacks information on cannabis potency or amount consumed. It also did not include all U.S. states because the cannabis module was optional. The findings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. The research was presented at Scientific Sessions 2026, a premier global exchange of cardiovascular science. For more information, visit heart.org or stroke.org.
