Cannabis Use Linked to Significant Cardiovascular Risks in New JACC Study

By Ryan Selewicz

A recent large-scale retrospective cohort study published in JACC: Advances (March 18, 2025) examined the medical records of over 4.6 million U.S. adults under 50, free from common hearts risks like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco use, or prior coronary diseaseHere's a breakdown of the key findings:

Event Type Cannabis Users Non‑Users Risk Ratio (RR)
Myocardial Infarction (MI) 0.558 % 0.090 % 6.19×
Ischemic Stroke 0.405 % 0.094 % 4.33×
Heart Failure 0.861 % vs 0.424 % ~2×
Major Adverse CV Events 1.187 % vs 0.366 % RR 3.24
All-Cause Mortality 1.262 % vs 0.841 % RR ~1.5

 

The data was adjusted via propensity score matching, balancing about 89,800 users with 89,800 non-users based on demographics and baseline health factors .

Why It Matters

Although the study is observational and does not prove cannabis causes these cardiovascular outcomes, the magnitude of the associations—6× for MI, ~4× for stroke—signals a potentially under-recognized stressor on cardiovascular health.

Notably, health experts are calling for clinicians to routinely ask about cannabis use—alongside smoking—during cardiovascular risk assessments.

What You Can Do to Support Cardiovascular Resilience

Here are some science-backed strategies that can support cardiovascular well-being gently and naturally:

1. Enhance Vascular Support

Hawthorn Berry and Reishi Mushroom have been shown to promote healthy blood flow and vascular tone—supporting circulation that may help your system weather various stressors.

2. Promote Healthy Blood Flow

Enzymes like Nattokinase can support optimal blood viscosity, helping maintain smooth circulation.

3. Manage Oxidative Stress

With increased cardiovascular strain, antioxidant support from ingredients in supportive supplements might help combat inflammation and oxidative imbalance.

4. Adopt Heart-Centric Habits

Daily movement, balanced nutrition, restful sleep, and mindfulness practices remain foundational to cardiovascular wellness.

This pivotal JACC study highlights that cannabis, even among otherwise healthy adults under 50, is associated with substantial increases in relative cardiovascular risk.

If you or someone you know uses cannabis, especially regularly, it may be worth monitoring how your body feels, discussing with a health provider, and considering preventive strategies. Thoughtful use of circulation-supportive natural ingredients—alongside a well-rounded heart-healthy lifestyle—can be a wise and proactive complement.