Cannabis Use Raises Odds for Stroke, Heart Attack and Death: Study

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA team 

Forms of cannabis in common use: Dried leaves and wraps

In over 40 African countries, cannabis or marijuana (also known by many different local names across African countries) remains illegal and for good reason. Despite the illegality, its use is high and growing, especially among young people who claim to use it for stress relief or sleep problems while others use it out of peer pressure or curiosity. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the serious health risks that come with it.

Although cannabis use has been popularly known to have anti-vomiting and mind altering effects, a new study has reconfirmed increasing evidence of a global link between its use and heart-related problems, including stroke, heart attack and even death. As heart disease continues to affect more Africans at younger ages, the study findings must be taken seriously in the region.

This blog highlights features of the study, what it found, and why avoiding cannabis may be one of the best decisions you make to protect your heart and your life.

About the Study

Researchers analysed data from 24 studies between 2016 to 2023 which involved over 430 million individuals between the ages of 19 and 59, making this study one of the largest reviews ever conducted on cannabis and cardiovascular health.

The aim was to understand if there’s a connection between cannabis use and heart conditions. The analysed studies were mostly observational, meaning they looked at real-world habits and health outcomes over time. While most of the data came from countries where cannabis use is legal or partially accepted, the health lessons apply globally, including here in Africa.

What the Study Found

The study linked the use of cannabis to a higher risk of major cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) events. When compared to people who didn't use cannabis, it was discovered that cannabis users had:

• A 29% higher risk of a heart attack
• A 20% increased risk of stroke
• Double the risk of dying from heart-related causes

Even though cannabis is natural, it is far from harmless and can cause serious damage to the heart and blood vessels, especially when used frequently or alongside other risky habits like smoking or alcohol. The study also highlighted the hidden danger facing younger adults who use cannabis, many of whom wrongly believe they’re too young to be affected by heart disease, yet may already be putting their hearts at serious risk.

Why This Study Matters to Africans

Many African countries are already dealing with a rising number of heart-related illnesses. High blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks are no longer diseases of the old. They’re affecting younger people too, partly due to lifestyle changes like poor diets, less physical activity, smoking and substance use. Adding cannabis to the mix worsens everything.

Here are some reasons why this study is important to Africans:

1. Many users don’t know they already have heart problems because they don't show early symptoms. Using cannabis in this state can trigger heart attacks or strokes without warning. Public health education should help to raise this awareness

2. Smoking cannabis strains the heart because it raises heart rate and blood pressure while lowering oxygen supply, which are highly dangerous to the heart.

3. In many parts of Africa, access to emergency heart care is poor and that means people who experience cannabis-triggered heart problems may not survive long enough to get help. Advocacy for abstinence from cannabis use is a worthy policy prevention approach for reducing the currently unknown rate of the burden of  cardiovascular diseases in African countries among other methods. 

4. Just as healthcare providers already enquire and counsel about cigarette smoking in primary care settings, the study raises the need for them to include cannabis use assessment and education in managing cardiovascular health.

5. Africa-wide research is needed to identify the contribution of cannabis use to the burden of cardiovascular disorders in the region and develop appropriate policy responses.

Treating cannabis as a harmless way to cope with stress, poverty or boredom should be discouraged. The risks are real, especially for our hearts. Parents, teachers, youth leaders and healthcare workers must speak openly about this because there is need for more awareness, not silence.

Young people especially need clear, truthful and non-judgmental information about the heart and blood vessel related risks of cannabis use among others. It's not enough to just say “don’t use drugs.”

Wrap Up

Cannabis carries serious risks to the heart and blood vessels. As young people face more stress and fewer opportunities, they need support, not shortcuts that can ruin their health.

Avoiding cannabis isn’t just about obeying the law. It’s about protecting your heart, your mind and your future. If you’ve never used it, stay away. If you’re using it, this is a cue to stop because you only have one heart and shouldn't trade it for a temporary high.

Source: Storck W, Elbaz M, Vindis C, et al. Cardiovascular risk associated with the use of cannabis and cannabinoids: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart Published Online First: 17 June 2025. Available from here

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Published: July 29, 2025

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