Cannabis use has grown in popularity over the last decade, specifically in people aged 18-25. Though use of this drug is legal in some form in 47 U.S. states, there are still questions surrounding the risks. A new scientific statement from the American Heart association, published in the journal Circulation, discussed cannabis and its health implications.

According to the report, a recent study showed that 6% of heart attack patients under the age of 50 are cannabis users. Users aged 18-44 had a significantly higher risk of stroke compared to non-users. While cannabis can offer relief for conditions such as muscle stiffness, the statement asserted that it has no documented benefits for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Some other reported benefits of marijuana use include for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s patients, but the long-term effects are still unclear.

Overall, the statement called for much more research to be done on marijuana use.

To read more about this study, please click here.

Source: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/08/05/heart-risks-of-marijuana-use-need-more-research