# Cannabis use and cardiovascular health risks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cannabis-use-and-cardiovascular-health-risks
> Updated: 2026-10-22T22:30:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Research has identified potential links between cannabis use and increased cardiovascular complications. A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY®2026 annual meeting, involving over 44,000 surgical patients, found that cannabis use is associated with a 46% increased risk of myocardial infarction during or shortly after surgery. While the same research noted a 22% lower risk of venous thromboembolism among users, researchers stated this does not confirm a protective effect and requires more study.

Further analysis published in BMJ Open examined the impact of recreational cannabis legalization in the United States. By reviewing over 50 million hospital discharge records from 2012 to 2018, researchers found that regions with legalization laws saw faster increases in hospital admissions for atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and heart attacks compared to non-legalization regions. In the Western United States, admissions for these conditions rose at rates between 2% and 4% faster following the enactment of such laws. The study noted that patients hospitalized in legalization areas tended to be younger, often from higher-income ZIP codes, and were less likely to identify as white.

## Claims

- A study published in BMJ Open links recreational cannabis legalization in the US to rising cardiovascular disease hospital admissions. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Researchers analyzed more than 50 million hospital discharge records from 2012 to 2018. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Admissions for atrial fibrillation increased just over 2% faster in the Western US after legalization laws took effect. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Heart failure admissions increased nearly 4% faster in the Western US following legalization. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Heart attack admissions increased just over 3% faster in the Western US after legalization. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The average age of patients hospitalized for these conditions in legalization areas was 51. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Patients in legalization areas were more likely to live in higher-income ZIP codes (26% versus 19%). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Patients in legalization areas were less likely to identify as white. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: US cannabis legalization linked to increased cardiovascular hospitalizations

A study in BMJ Open links US recreational cannabis legalization to faster rising rates of heart failure, heart attacks, and atrial fibrillation hospitalizations, particularly in the Western US.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-cannabis-legalization-linked-to-increased-cardiovascular-hospitalizations

### 2026-10-18: Cannabis use linked to higher heart attack risk during surgery

A study of over 44,000 patients found cannabis use is linked to a 46% higher risk of heart attack during or after surgery, though it may be associated with a 22% lower risk of blood clots.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cannabis-use-linked-to-higher-heart-attack-risk-during-surgery

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Cite as: Cannabis use and cardiovascular health risks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cannabis-use-and-cardiovascular-health-risks