# Cannabis Use in Patients With Heart Disease > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-heart-disease-risks/ > **Published:** 2021-01-19T14:17:21-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:17:17-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore cannabis use heart disease risks and how marijuana impacts cardiovascular health and therapy effectiveness in patients. --- ### Marijuana use is associated with heightened risks for many heart diseases while interfering with therapies ​In Summary [Cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) is increasing throughout the US as more states legalize marijuana for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Alarmingly, a national survey has estimated that over 2 million Americans with known cardiovascular diseases currently use or have used cannabis in some forms, such as inhalation or vaping. Meanwhile, few efforts exist to organize current [clinical data](https://cedclinic.com/uk-germany-medical-cannabis-markets-double-2025/) and knowledge on the effects of marijuana on cardiovascular risks. ​ Aware of this gap, a group of physicians from Columbia University Irving Medical Center (New York), University of Alabama (Birmingham), Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona, (Tucson) and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Heart (Boston) recently joined force to summarize relevant mechanisms of potential cardiovascular risks associated with [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/). They concluded that cannabis use carries many of the same [cardiovascular health](https://cedclinic.com/substance-use-stroke-risk-specific-misuse/) hazards as smoking tobacco, such as heightened risks for heart attack and more incidents of damage to blood vessels in the brain. In addition, they found evidence that cannabinoids – the main components of cannabis – can interfere with the action of multiple classes of cardiovascular therapies. Given these findings, they recommended screening and testing for use of cannabis in clinical settings, especially in the care of young patients presenting with cardiovascular disease. [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Association Between Marijuana Use and Cardiovascular Disease in US Adults](https://cedclinic.com/marijuana-use-and-cardiovascular-disease/) A detailed study exploring the link between [marijuana use](https://cedclinic.com/should-i-post-this-here-or-on-r-marijuanaenthusiasts/) and cardiovascular disease among adults in the US. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/marijuana-use-and-cardiovascular-disease/) [The Association Between Cannabis Use and Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in People …](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-safety-assessment-ekg-abnormalities/) Research on how cannabis use correlates with changes in heart electrical activity and potential health implications. [Explore Study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-safety-assessment-ekg-abnormalities/) [Natural Neuroprotection: Exploring the Potential of Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids](https://cedclinic.com/non-psychoactive-cannabinoids-neuroprotection-potential/) An overview of non-psychoactive cannabinoids and their potential protective effects on [neurological health](https://cedclinic.com/benzodiazepine-discontinuation-rates-medical-cannabis/). [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/non-psychoactive-cannabinoids-neuroprotection-potential/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Cannabis%20Use%20in%20Patients%20With%20Heart%20Disease&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-use-heart-disease-risks%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-use-heart-disease-risks%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Cannabis%20Use%20in%20Patients%20With%20Heart%20Disease%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-use-heart-disease-risks%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).