# Large study of 100+ million people finds recreational cannabis use linked to 37% higher stroke risk > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/large-study-of-100-million-people-finds-recreational-cannabis-use-linked-to-37-higher-stroke-risk/ > **Published:** 2026-08-24T07:27:10-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-08T20:15:45-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** A study of over 100 million people found recreational cannabis users had a 37% higher stroke risk. Learn more about the implications for patient care. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance #57 [Clinical Context](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-treatment-insights-2026/) Background information relevant to the evolving [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/) landscape. NeurologySafetyResearchPolicyPainAnxietyMental Health Why This Matters This article is significant for clinicians and their patients as it provides evidence linking [recreational cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/) to a higher stroke risk, which could influence clinical decision-making regarding patient counseling about potential risks associated with [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/). Understanding these risks can aid in providing informed care and promoting healthier choices among patients. The findings also underscore the need for continued research into the long-term effects of cannabis on various aspects of health. Clinical Summary In a large-scale study involving over 100 million individuals, [recreational cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/) was associated with a 37% increased risk of stroke. This finding underscores the need for clinicians to consider this potential risk when counseling patients about [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) and its implications for cardiovascular health. Dr. Caplan’s Take “While this large-scale study provides concerning insights into the potential link between [recreational cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/) and stroke risk, it’s crucial to emphasize that correlation does not imply causation. As a family physician specializing in [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/), I urge caution and continued research to fully understand these findings before making any definitive clinical recommendations.” Clinical Perspective 💊🩺 In a significant finding, a large-scale study involving over 100 million individuals has linked recreational [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) with a 37% higher stroke risk. This research underscores the complexity of cannabis’s impact on health, as it highlights both its potential [therapeutic benefits](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) and potential risks. While more research is needed to fully understand this association, healthcare providers should be aware of this possible confounder when counseling patients about cannabis use, particularly in those with a history of cardiovascular disease or stroke risk factors. Clinically, this study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive patient education regarding the potential risks associated with recreational cannabis use. 💬 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/forum/medical-illness/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Large%20study%20of%20100%2B%20million%20people%20finds%20recreational%20cannabis%20use%20linked%20to%2037%25%20higher%20stroke%20risk%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2F%3Fp%3D74722)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2F%3Fp%3D74722)[🦅 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Large%20study%20of%20100%2B%20million%20people%20finds%20recreational%20cannabis%20use%20linked%20to%2037%25%20higher%20stroke%20risk%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2F%3Fp%3D74722)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) Related Articles - [Massachusetts Question 8: What the Adult-Use Cannabis Repeal Would Change](https://cedclinic.com/massachusetts-question-8-cannabis-repeal-digest/) - [In the Mix: 30 More Articles — June 26, 2026](https://cedclinic.com/30-cannabis-articles-clinical-relevance-june-26-2026/) - [In the Mix: 37 More Articles — June 18, 2026](https://cedclinic.com/mixed-cannabis-industry-articles-june-18-2026/) 📰 Source: [https://x.com/aftab_usa/status/2091665325708169640](https://x.com/aftab_usa/status/2091665325708169640) Further Reading CED Clinic Blog[Why Cannabis Works](https://cedclinic.com/why-cannabis-works/) Evidence Watch[Cannabis and Heart Health](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-study/) CED Clinic Blog[Cannabis for Sleep](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-for-sleep/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. 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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 --- ### 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).