# CANNABIS use outside of what is medically prescribed, including recreational purposes, is … > **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-outside-of-what-is-medically-prescribed-including-recreational-purposes-is/ > **Published:** 2026-09-04T17:16:11-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:45:47-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the growing evidence linking non-prescribed cannabis use to cardiovascular health harms. Learn how this impacts clinical practice. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance #67 Notable Clinical Interest Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely. PolicyMental HealthNeurologySafetyResearchPainAnxiety Why This Matters This article matters for clinicians and their patients as it highlights the potential health risks associated with non-prescription cannabis use, including recreational purposes. The report adds to a growing body of evidence linking cannabis use to significant health harms, specifically raising concerns about its impact on heart health. These findings are crucial for clinicians to consider when counseling patients about cannabis use and its potential implications for overall health. Clinical Summary This report adds to the accumulating evidence associating unprescribed cannabis use with substantial health risks, particularly concerning its impact on cardiovascular health. New research highlights potential adverse effects of cannabis on heart function, emphasizing the need for clinicians to counsel patients about the potential risks associated with non-medical cannabis use. Dr. Caplan’s Take “As a seasoned family physician specializing in cannabis medicine, the accumulating evidence linking unprescribed cannabis use to potential health risks is concerning. While more research is needed to fully understand these associations, particularly regarding cardiovascular health, it’s crucial for individuals to be informed and cautious about their consumption.” Clinical Perspective 💊 A new research adds to the mounting evidence suggesting that non-prescription cannabis use, including recreational purposes, may pose substantial health risks, particularly for cardiovascular health. The study highlights potential concerns about increased heart rate, stroke, and myocardial infarction in cannabis users. As healthcare providers, it’s crucial to acknowledge these complexities when counseling patients about cannabis use, considering individual factors such as age, underlying medical conditions, and concurrent medication use that may influence the risks and benefits. In clinical practice, this underscores the importance of open discussions about cannabis use, its potential harms, and the need for personalized guidance tailored to each patient’s unique circumstances. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? 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