Cardiologist says frequent cannabis use could lead to future heart problems
A Jamaican cardiologist is warning that frequent cannabis usage could lead to increased risks of heart attack and heart disease.
Speaking during an interview on Observer AM, Consultant Cardiologist and Interventional Cardiologist at The Cardiology Unit of the University Hospital of the West Indies, Dr Victor Elliott reported that cannabis users face a 25 percent higher risk of heart attacks and a 42 percent increased likelihood of stroke, regardless of how the substance is consumed.
“These effects include an increased risk of heart attacks, increased risk of stroke, increased risk of inflammation of the blood vessels of the leg,” Dr Elliott explained.
The findings, which were presented during the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s 6th annual Cardiac Symposium, come at a significant time as the National Marijuana Commission, established in December 2023 under Dr Kwasi Tonge’s leadership, received approval by the Ethics Committee to begin formal surveys investigating the impacts of cannabis use.
The Commission was formed in response to mounting public concerns about the effects of the 2018 decision to decriminalize marijuana, particularly its impact on the youth.
The research, conducted in 2024 by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and American Heart Association (AHA), placed strong emphasis on risks for young users.
“Young people are the ones at greatest risk and all the studies are showing we’re seeing the higher percentage with them,” the cardiologist stated, adding that older users with existing health conditions also face compounded risks.
“Any young person who smokes marijuana or uses cannabis, who develops sudden onset of chest pain, especially associated with shortness of breath or feeling faint, should realize they’re possibly having a heart attack related to the cannabis use and should seek medical attention immediately,” Dr Elliott advised.
The cardiologist highlighted concerns about THC, the compound responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive effects, warning that products like gummies and oils may contain even higher concentrations than traditional smoking methods.
“A lot of times when people make the gummies or the brownies or the syrups, especially the tea, concentration becomes even higher: 30 to 40 percent, approaching 50 percent,” Dr Elliott cautioned and also addressed the idea that cannabis is harmless because it’s natural.
He explained that while medicinal cannabis products high in CBD (Cannabidiol) may have benefits, recreational products high in THC pose significant health risks.
“The fact that it is a natural product does not mean that it is safe,” the doctor emphasized.
These findings raise important considerations for Antigua and Barbuda, where cannabis was decriminalized in 2018 and individuals can legally possess up to 15 grams and grow four plants.
Dr Elliott, however, called for more research to help guide policy decisions on the matter. “The government can respond to data; it cannot respond to emotion. You cannot respond to just a belief. They need to have the data,” he said.
Cardiologist says frequent cannabis use could lead to future heart problems - Antigua Observer Newspaper