A recent study has sent shockwaves through the global medical community, revealing that individuals under 50 who use cannabis are at a significantly heightened risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Specifically, these users face a sixfold increase in the likelihood of experiencing heart attacks, alongside a marked rise in the chances of suffering from strokes, heart failure, and cardiovascular-related deaths. These findings were derived from an extensive analysis involving more than 4.6 million participants and reinforced by a meta-analysis of 12 previously published studies, making it the most comprehensive research to date on the link between marijuana use and cardiovascular health.
In Kenya, where non-communicable diseases are steadily rising, the findings are particularly alarming. The Ministry of Health reports that NCDs are responsible for half of all hospital admissions in the country. Furthermore, a report by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) indicates that 93,430 Kenyan youths, or 2.7%, are cannabis users. As cannabis becomes increasingly accessible, especially among young adults aged 18 to 25, these statistics point to a looming public health crisis.
Globally, cannabis remains the most cultivated, trafficked, and abused illicit drug. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that cannabis accounts for approximately half of all drug seizures worldwide, occurring in nearly every country. With an estimated 147 million annual users, cannabis far surpasses the usage rates of other illicit substances like cocaine and opiates. The rapid rise in cannabis consumption, particularly among young people and urban populations, underscores the urgency of understanding its health implications.
The research, published in JACC Advances, found that cannabis users had over six times the risk of heart attacks and were four times more likely to suffer an ischaemic stroke. Additionally, users faced twice the likelihood of developing heart failure and were three times more likely to die from cardiovascular events. Notably, the individuals studied had no prior history of cardiovascular disease, normal cholesterol levels, healthy blood pressure, and no known risk factors such as tobacco use or diabetes. This suggests that cannabis use alone may significantly alter cardiovascular risk profiles, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
Dr Ibrahim Kamel, lead author and internal medicine resident at St Elizabeth Medical Centre in Boston, urged healthcare providers to treat cannabis use as a critical factor in assessing cardiovascular risk, comparable to cigarette smoking. He advocated for the introduction of policy measures aimed at increasing public awareness about the dangers of cannabis use, especially concerning heart health.
The exact biological mechanisms through which cannabis affects the cardiovascular system remain unclear. However, scientists speculate that marijuana can disrupt heart rhythm, increase oxygen demand in heart muscles, and impair the ability of blood vessels to function properly. One of the studies revealed that the risk of a heart attack peaked within one hour of cannabis consumption, pointing to acute cardiovascular effects.
Additional findings from the American College of Cardiology’s 2023 Annual Scientific Session indicated that daily cannabis users had a 34% higher risk of developing coronary artery disease. These findings, derived from over 175,000 participants in the All of Us Research Programme, support a dose-dependent relationship where more frequent use correlates with greater cardiovascular risk. This adds to growing evidence that chronic cannabis use may have long-term health consequences that extend beyond the commonly perceived risks.
In Kenya, NACADA’s 2022 report on drug use revealed that 518,807 individuals aged 15 to 65 currently use cannabis, with males comprising the vast majority. Marijuana use is prevalent in both urban and rural areas, with changing social norms and increased availability contributing to its spread. Modes of consumption have diversified from traditional smoking to edibles and infused beverages, which may contribute to underestimating the associated health risks.
Aside from cardiovascular effects, cannabis use has been linked to respiratory problems, including chronic bronchitis and lung inflammation, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Cognitive impairments, particularly in memory and decision-making, are of particular concern among adolescents and frequent users. Cannabis use disorder, characterised by dependence and withdrawal symptoms, further complicates public health efforts to manage substance abuse.
As cannabis use continues to rise, especially among Kenya’s youth, there is a pressing need for targeted public health campaigns. These initiatives should aim to educate the public on the risks associated with cannabis, particularly its cardiovascular implications, and provide support for those seeking to reduce or cease use. Addressing the growing health burden posed by cannabis is essential for protecting individual well-being and reducing the strain on the healthcare system.
