From the Guidelines
Edible cannabis use does pose significant risks to cardiovascular health, and individuals with pre-existing heart conditions should exercise extreme caution or avoid consumption altogether. Consuming marijuana edibles can increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure, and potentially trigger cardiac events, especially in people with heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmias, or a history of heart attack or stroke 1. The main psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC, can cause tachycardia (increased heart rate) by 20-50 beats per minute for up to 3 hours after consumption. Edibles present particular concerns because they have a delayed onset (30 minutes to 2 hours) but longer-lasting effects (6-8 hours), which can lead to accidental overconsumption and more pronounced cardiovascular effects 1.
Some key points to consider:
- The cardiovascular risks associated with edible cannabis use appear to be dose-dependent, with higher THC concentrations posing greater risk 1.
- Cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which influences heart function, blood vessel dilation, and inflammation pathways 1.
- A recent study found an increase in risk for new-onset arrhythmia among individuals who used medical cannabis compared to those who did not 1.
- Smoking cannabis may be associated with adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke 1.
Individuals who experience chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath after consuming cannabis edibles should seek immediate medical attention. It is essential to prioritize caution and consider the potential risks to cardiovascular health when using edible cannabis products, especially for those with pre-existing heart conditions. The most critical consideration is to prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life when making decisions about edible cannabis use.
From the Research
Edible Cannabis Use and Cardiovascular Health
- Edible cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, arrhythmia, and heart failure 2.
- The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating the cardiovascular system, and cannabinoids can cause substantial adverse cardiovascular events 2.
- Studies have shown that cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and cerebrovascular accidents, even after adjusting for other risk factors such as age, sex, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus 3.
Cardiovascular Effects of Cannabis Use
- Cannabis use can increase heart rate, slightly increase supine blood pressure, and produce marked orthostatic hypotension 4.
- Tolerance to the initial cardiovascular effects of cannabis appears rapidly, but repeated exposure can lead to decreased supine blood pressure, increased blood volume, and slowed heart rate 4.
- The cardiovascular effects of cannabis use are not limited to smoking, as edible cannabis use can also pose a risk to cardiovascular health 5, 6.
Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
- Cannabis use has been associated with an elevated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score, with a dose-response relation between increased use of cannabis and a higher risk of ASCVD 5.
- Individuals who use cannabis are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, particularly ischemic strokes, and should be screened for CVD risk and implement appropriate risk reduction strategies 5, 6.
- The current evidence suggests that cannabis use may have negative cardiovascular consequences, particularly at large doses, and highlights the need for further research into the cardiovascular effects of cannabis use 6.