From the Guidelines
There is currently no strong scientific evidence to suggest that garlic extract can specifically protect against the increased risk of heart attack and stroke associated with cannabis use. While garlic does have some cardiovascular benefits, including modest effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels, it has not been studied specifically as a protective agent against cannabis-related cardiovascular risks 1. Cannabis use has been associated with increased heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, and potential cardiovascular complications, particularly in people with existing heart conditions. If you're concerned about cannabis-related cardiovascular risks, the most effective approach would be to discuss your cannabis use with a healthcare provider, consider reducing consumption or using lower-THC products, and focus on established heart-healthy practices such as:
- Regular exercise
- A balanced diet
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Not smoking tobacco
- Limiting alcohol
- Managing stress Garlic supplements (typically 600-1200mg daily of aged garlic extract) may offer some general cardiovascular benefits but should not be relied upon as protection against specific cannabis-related risks 1. The cardiovascular effects of garlic are primarily related to its allicin content, which has mild antiplatelet, antioxidant, and blood pressure-lowering properties, but these effects are modest compared to prescription medications and lifestyle modifications. It's essential to prioritize evidence-based strategies for reducing cardiovascular risk, such as those outlined in the 2024 guideline for the primary prevention of stroke from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association 1. Ultimately, the best approach to mitigating the cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use is to address the underlying risk factors and engage in heart-healthy behaviors, rather than relying on unproven supplements like garlic extract.
From the Research
Cannabis Use and Cardiovascular Risk
- Cannabis use has been associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and cerebrovascular accident (stroke) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Studies have shown that marijuana use can lead to thrombosis, inflammation, and atherosclerosis, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular events 4
- The risk of myocardial infarction is particularly high in the first hour after cannabis use, with a five-fold increase in risk 5
Garlic Extract and Cardiovascular Health
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that garlic extract can mitigate the increased risk of myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident associated with cannabis use
- However, garlic extract has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits, including reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events [2 is not relevant to garlic, no other studies provided]
Limitations and Future Research
- More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between cannabis use and cardiovascular risk, as well as the potential benefits of garlic extract in reducing this risk
- The current evidence is largely based on case reports and observational studies, and more rigorous research is needed to confirm the findings 3, 6