Is Cannabis Bad for Your Heart? New Study Explores Risks

Cannabis has become a staple in modern wellness conversations.  Whether it’s easing chronic pain, managing anxiety, or simply helping people sleep – cannabis has a lot to offer.  That, however, does not mean that consumption of the plant is risk-free.  This was highlighted in a recent study published in JAMA Cardiology by researchers at UC San Francisco, which throws a spotlight on an area less often discussed: how cannabis affects your heart.

If you use cannabis regularly – either by smoking it or consuming edibles – this new research might give you pause.  But it’s also important to look at the whole picture, balancing known benefits against emerging risks.

What the Study Found: Cannabis and Vascular Function

The study¹, led by UCSF’s Dr. Salomeh Keyhani, analyzed vascular health data and found that regular cannabis users had roughly 50% lower blood vessel function compared to non-users.  For reference, that is on par with the effect of tobacco smoking.

Interestingly, researchers noted that this effect occurred regardless of whether cannabis was smoked or ingested.  This challenges the common assumption that edibles are inherently safer than inhalation when it comes to cardiovascular risk.

The underlying issue lies in vascular endothelial function, which is the ability of blood vessels to expand and contract as needed.  Those with poor endothelial function are at increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.

Why This Matters: The of the Endocannabinoid System

The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a central in how cannabis affects us.  For example, THC and CBD – the two most prominent cannabinoids – bind to ECS receptors in the brain and other organs, influencing mood, appetite, sleep, and yes, heart function.

THC in particular has been shown to affect heart rate, blood pressure, and vascular tone, all of which contribute to the broader cardiovascular picture.

Smoking vs. Edibles: Are Either Safe for the Heart?

While many people believe edibles are a safer alternative, this study suggests that even THC absorbed through digestion can impair vascular health.  Albeit smoking may introduce additional risks, including exposure to nasty byproducts such as carbon monoxide and tar.

So, while the delivery method may change the type or intensity of harm, the cannabinoids themselves still appear to influence heart health through systemic pathways.

Balancing the Risks: What Cannabis Still Offers

While the UCSF study highlights concerns about vascular function, it is important to view this research in the broader context of cannabis’ well-documented therapeutic benefits.  In fact, some of cannabis’ positive effects may actually indirectly counterbalance certain cardiovascular risks, especially those associated with lifestyle-related factors like stress, inactivity, and obesity.

Cannabis May Support Weight Management

Obesity is one of the biggest drivers of cardiovascular disease, contributing to conditions like hypertension, atherosclerosis, and insulin resistance.  Yet emerging evidence suggests that cannabis may support weight loss, particularly through compounds like THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin).

A recent study found that THCV may help regulate metabolism, reduce appetite, and improve glucose tolerance.  Unlike THC, which can cause the “munchies,” THCV appears to suppress hunger and aid in weight management, potentially reducing obesity-related heart risks in the long term.

Relief From Pain May Boost Physical Activity

Pain is one of the most common reasons people turn to medical cannabis, and for good reason.  Whether it’s joint pain, chronic back issues, fibromyalgia, or hypermobility syndrome, cannabis has shown promise in helping people manage conditions that otherwise limit physical activity.  For example:

• A review on medical cannabis and hypermobility notes significant pain relief and improved quality of life for sufferers.
• A separate article on fibromyalgia highlights the potential of cannabis terpenes in managing diffuse musculoskeletal pain, a condition strongly associated with inactivity and mood disorders.
• Even topical options like cannabis-infused massages have been found to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

Basically, by enabling people to move more freely, cannabis may indirectly lower heart disease risk by increasing physical activity level, which is a well-accepted and key factor in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Cannabis Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety — Good News for the Heart

Another often-overlooked contributor to heart disease is chronic stress.  Elevated cortisol, poor sleep, and persistent anxiety can all take a toll on the cardiovascular system over time.

Fortunately, cannabis, particularly non-psychoactive compounds like CBG (cannabigerol) and CBD, has been studied for its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties.  In another clinical trial, CBG was shown to reduce stress and improve memory performance, highlighting the plant’s potential for emotional regulation without intoxication.

For individuals suffering from stress-related conditions or high-pressure lifestyles, the ability of cannabis to calm the nervous system may play a protective for the heart, especially when used as a substitute for substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines, which carry their own set of health risks.

Final Thoughts: A Whole-Person Perspective

Cannabis is neither inherently good nor bad for heart health – its effects depend largely on who is using it, how often, and for what purpose.  The recent UCSF study underscores legitimate concerns about cardiovascular risks, particularly with high-THC or long-term use.  Yet cannabis also shows promise in addressing factors that contribute to heart disease, such as chronic pain, stress, and obesity.

These benefits, however, are highly contextual.  A person microdosing cannabinoids while staying active and eating well is likely to have a different outcome than someone using potent THC products daily with little physical activity.  For those with existing heart conditions, hypertension, or other risk factors, caution and medical guidance are essential.

As legalization and usage continue to grow, it’s essential to move past black and white narratives.  Cannabis is a complex plant with meaningful effects on human health.  Understanding its potential and limitations is the key to using it safely and effectively.

Study Referenced:

^{1. Mohammadi L, Navabzadeh M, Jiménez-Téllez N, et al. Association of Endothelial Dysfunction With Chronic Marijuana Smoking and THC-Edible Use. JAMA Cardiol. Published online May 28, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2025.1399}