Cannabis addiction increases heart attack risk by 60 percent

A new study conducted in Canada suggests that people addicted to cannabis are more likely to suffer heart attacks and develop other heart conditions.

Independent Türkçe

In a study by scientists from the University of Calgary in the province of Alberta, data obtained from approximately 60 thousand Canadians over an 8-year period were used. Half of these individuals were addicted to cannabis, while the other half were not.

In the study published on Wednesday in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Addiction, it was observed that 2.4 percent of participants suffering from cannabis addiction experienced their first cardiovascular event between January 2012 and December 2019.

These include issues such as heart attack, stroke, heart rhythm disorders, and peripheral vascular disease.

According to the research, 27 to 34 percent of people who use cannabis can become addicted to the substance.

On the other hand, Anees Bahji from the University of Calgary pointed out that the data in the study only represent a sample and that other factors may play a role in the development of these conditions, stating, "It is important to emphasize that these findings are observational and provide a perspective on the data we have. A direct cause-and-effect relationship could not be established."