(AURN News) – A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association sheds light on a concerning association between marijuana use and an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke.

The study, a population-based, cross-sectional analysis of data spanning from 2016 to 2020, utilized information gathered from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey in 27 U.S. states and two territories. The results, with an average age of 45.4 years, suggest a direct correlation between frequent marijuana use and heightened cardiovascular issues.

“Cannabis use is associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, with higher odds of events associated with more days of use per month, controlling for demographic factors and tobacco smoking,” the study said. The odds of experiencing these issues escalate with the number of days of marijuana use per month, even after controlling for demographic factors and tobacco smoking.

The study revealed a demographic breakdown of the participants, emphasizing that 60% were White and 11.6% Black. There has been a surge in marijuana use among U.S. adults between 2002 and 2019, skyrocketing from 10.4% to 18%.

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