Cannabis using consumers, when compared to a non-cannabis population, are at an elevated risk factor for adverse cardiac events such as heart attacks (MI), strokes, tachycardia, and heart failure. The odds ratio of having a Myocardial Infarction (MI) for cannabis consumers was 6 times greater than that of an individual that does not consume cannabis.
Researchers, Kamel, I (et.al.), conducted a retrospective study of patient health records (N= 4,636,628), from 2010 – 2018, for subjects aged 50 years and younger. The large cohort was separated into two groups, those with a cannabis use diagnosis (N=93,267) and non-users (N=4,543,361). Research made sure there was no bias from a pre-existing condition or risk factors. When compared to non-user group, findings for the cannabis use were:
- 15-fold prevalence for depressive episodes
- 6-fold greater risk of Myocardial Infarction (MI)
- 4-fold greater risk of a stroke
- 3-fold greater risk of a Major Adverse Cardiac Event (MACE)
- 2-fold greater risk of heart failure
Of interest here is the time frame used for the analysis of 2010 – 2018. Even during the early days of legalization, the authors observed the significance of this in that, “This analysis provides evidence linking cannabis-use to adverse cardiovascular events, including MI, ischemic, stroke, heart, failure, and mortality.”
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