Marijuana Smoking: Stroke Risk And You

Marijuana use has long been linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. While the exact mechanism by which cannabis causes strokes is not fully understood, studies have found a positive correlation between cannabis use and the prevalence of strokes, including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. The primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, delta(9)- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the cardiovascular system, potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and triggering cerebral vasoconstriction. Additionally, the smoke from marijuana contains toxins that contribute to the buildup of plaque in blood vessels, further elevating the risk of stroke.

Marijuana use is linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart attack

Marijuana Use and Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been used for its psychoactive properties for thousands of years. While therapeutic benefits of cannabis have not been established, there is growing evidence of its harmful effects, particularly the increased risk of stroke and heart attack among its users.

Ischemic Stroke

A 2008 survey found that over 15 million Americans use marijuana regularly. A study of 218 New Zealanders with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) showed that 15.6% had urine drug screens (UDS) positive for cannabis, compared to 8.1% of control participants. After adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity, cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke or TIA. However, after further adjusting for tobacco use, an association independent of tobacco could not be established.

A review of the literature by Wolff et al. revealed 59 cases of cannabis-related stroke, with ischemic stroke accounting for 83% of the cases. The mean age in this group was 33 years, and the ratio of men to women was nearly 5:1. Ischemic stroke was more frequent in chronic than occasional users. The findings suggested a temporal association between cannabis consumption and ischemic stroke, with several reports of stroke occurring while the drug was being smoked or up to 30 minutes after.

Heart Attack

An observational study supported by the National Institutes of Health found that daily use of cannabis was associated with a 25% increased likelihood of heart attack compared to non-use. Less frequent use was also associated with an increased risk, with weekly users showing a 3% increased likelihood.

Other Cardiovascular Risks

Any cannabis use, whether smoked, eaten, or vaporized, has been independently associated with a higher number of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The risk of these adverse outcomes increases with more frequent use.

The risk of stroke is higher for daily marijuana users

Daily marijuana users are at a heightened risk of suffering a stroke, according to recent research. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that marijuana use is linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. This is especially true for younger adults, who may be putting themselves at greater cumulative risk if they smoke marijuana.

The study found that adults who use marijuana daily had a 25% higher chance of having a heart attack and a 42% higher chance of having a stroke than those who don't use it at all. The risk is increased for both the general population and for younger adults. For men under 55 and women under 65, the odds of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke were still increased.

The primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the cardiovascular system when it enters the systemic circulation. Activation of these receptors modulates the cellular activity of the vessel wall, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. CB1 receptor expression has been identified in advanced atheromas, and THC has also been shown to activate platelets, leading to increased thrombogenic activity.

In addition to the direct effects of THC, the smoke from marijuana contains toxins called particulate matter, which contributes to the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels. This can be especially harmful to young people who haven't yet built up a lot of plaque, as it may accumulate over time.

The cognitive motor slowing effects when intoxicated are known neurologically. THC also has properties that may cause anxiety, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure, further elevating the risk of stroke.

While there are documented medical benefits to using cannabis, it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with its use, especially when it comes to neurological health. Smoking marijuana with greater frequency can increase the risks of stroke and heart disease, and the more you smoke, the higher the risk.

Marijuana use can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to stroke

Marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, with studies reporting a causal relationship between the two. The primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, delta(9)- tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC), is believed to play a significant role in this association.

One of the main ways in which marijuana use can lead to stroke is by causing blood vessels to constrict. This constrictive effect is known as hemodynamic effect, and it can have serious consequences for the brain. When blood vessels constrict, blood flow to the brain is reduced, which can result in a stroke. This is particularly true for people who frequently use cannabis, as the constrictive effects of the drug can be more pronounced in regular users.

The impact of marijuana use on blood vessels was highlighted in a study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). The study, called CANDIDE (CANnabis: Does It Damage Endothelium), found that marijuana smokers had poor vascular function compared to non-users. Specifically, they found that the arteries of marijuana smokers were less able to open up to increase blood flow when necessary, which can lead to a stroke if the blood supply to the brain is cut off.

The mechanism by which THC causes blood vessels to constrict is not yet fully understood. However, animal studies have shown that THC has peripheral vasoconstrictor properties, suggesting that it can directly affect the blood vessels. This effect may be more pronounced in people who are already at risk for stroke, such as those with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular risk factors.

In addition to the constrictive effects of marijuana use, the smoke itself also contains toxins called particulate matter, which can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels. This buildup of plaque, known as atherosclerosis, can further increase the risk of stroke by narrowing the blood vessels and making it more difficult for blood to flow to the brain.

While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, the evidence suggests that marijuana use can lead to blood vessel constriction, increasing the risk of stroke. It is important for people who choose to use cannabis to be aware of these potential risks and to take steps to mitigate them, such as reducing the frequency of use or exploring alternative methods of consumption that do not involve smoking.

Marijuana smoke contains toxins that contribute to plaque buildup in blood vessels

The buildup of plaque in blood vessels is a result of the toxins in marijuana smoke, known as particulate matter. This contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, a form of arteritis linked to marijuana use. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits, or plaques, build up in the blood vessels, causing them to narrow and restrict blood flow. Marijuana smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including acetaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and polycyclic hydrocarbons, which can have harmful effects on the body.

The impact of marijuana smoke on blood vessels has been studied in both humans and rats. In a study presented at the American Heart Association annual meeting in 2023, researchers found that marijuana smokers had poor vascular function compared to non-smokers, with their arteries being less able to open up to increase blood flow when necessary. This finding was consistent with the effects observed in tobacco smokers, indicating that marijuana smoke has similar cardiovascular risks to tobacco smoke.

The consumption of THC edibles has also been linked to poor vascular function, suggesting that the impairment caused by smoking cannabis and the consumption of THC edibles occur through different processes in the body. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, it is clear that marijuana smoke and THC can negatively impact vascular function and contribute to the buildup of plaque in blood vessels.

The risk of stroke and heart disease associated with marijuana use is particularly concerning for young adults, who may be putting themselves at greater cumulative risk. Additionally, marijuana use can interact with other risk factors, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, further increasing the overall risk of stroke and heart disease. It is important for individuals to be aware of the potential neurological and cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana use and to consider modifying their cannabis use to reduce these risks.

THC in marijuana may cause anxiety, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, and thus, the risk of stroke

Marijuana, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, has been used for its psychoactive properties for thousands of years. While it is often hailed for its medicinal benefits, there are also risks associated with its use. One of the primary concerns is the impact of marijuana on cardiovascular health, particularly the risk of stroke.

Marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient that produces the desired "high." THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system, leading to increased heart rate, dilation of blood vessels, and a harder-pumping heart. These physiological changes can create an imbalance in myocardial supply and demand, resulting in an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Research suggests that the risk of a heart attack is several times higher in the hour after smoking marijuana than it would be normally.

In addition to the direct cardiovascular effects, THC may also contribute to an increased risk of stroke by causing anxiety. Heavy marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders, particularly in young males. The psychoactive effects of THC can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms, which may then further elevate heart rate and blood pressure. This combination of increased heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety can elevate the risk of a stroke.

While the exact mechanism by which marijuana may cause a stroke is not fully understood, there is growing evidence of a link between marijuana use and ischemic stroke (IS). Several studies have found a positive association between marijuana use and the occurrence of IS, with some cases reporting strokes during or shortly after smoking marijuana. The risk of stroke in people who use marijuana is estimated to be higher than in those who do not, with a prevalence of 1.2% for ischemic stroke and 0.3% for hemorrhagic stroke in marijuana users compared to 0.8% and 0.2%, respectively, in non-users.

It is important to note that the existing research primarily focuses on smoked marijuana, which introduces additional toxins, irritants, and carcinogens found in the smoke. These substances are known contributors to heart disease and cancer, further complicating the understanding of the direct effects of marijuana on stroke risk. More research is needed to separate the impact of THC and other cannabinoids from the harmful effects of smoke inhalation.

Frequently asked questions